Today’s recipe is the second one in my grilling meal prep series. Each of these marinades can be made ahead and frozen, making them a great option for summer dinners. All you need to do is pull one out of the freezer the night before, place it in the refrigerator to thaw, and by the next day, the chicken is marinated and ready for the grill. This one is a flavorful Balsamic Chicken Marinade.

The star ingredient in this marinade is balsamic vinegar. I love the rich flavor it adds to recipes and the way it gives the chicken a little extra depth. It has that perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet, which makes it especially delicious for grilling. Combined with the other ingredients in the marinade, it creates chicken that is full of bold flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Grilled balsamic marinated chicken breasts on a plate

If you want to better understand how a marinade comes together, be sure to check out the previous post in this series, where I shared the basic formula for a good marinade. It breaks down the key elements that help build flavor, including oil, acid, salt, sweetness, and seasonings. Once you understand that simple formula, it becomes so much easier to create your own marinade combinations too.

Ingredients for Balsamic Chicken Marinade

BALSAMIC VINEGAR – Balsamic vinegar is the main flavor in this marinade. It adds a rich, tangy taste with a little natural sweetness that gives the chicken plenty of depth and makes it especially delicious when grilled.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL – Olive oil helps coat the chicken and carry all of the other flavors in the marinade. It also adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks

DIJON MUSTARD – Dijon mustard adds a little sharpness and extra flavor to the marinade. It also helps blend the ingredients together and gives the marinade a smooth, well-balanced taste.

BROWN SUGAR – Brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the tang of the balsamic vinegar and the bite of the mustard. It also helps the chicken caramelize a little as it cooks, giving it great flavor and color.

DRIED THYME – Dried thyme adds a savory, herbal note that pairs well with balsamic vinegar. It gives the marinade a little more depth and helps round out the flavor.

BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS – Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the protein in this recipe and work really well with this marinade. They soak up the flavor beautifully and grill up into an easy, delicious meal.

Overhead view of balsamic chicken marinade (freezer meal) grilled and on a plate

Instructions for Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Start by adding all of the marinade ingredients, except the chicken, to a gallon-size freezer bag. Seal the bag partway and gently mix everything together until the marinade is smooth and well combined.

Next, add the chicken breasts to the bag. Press out as much air as possible, then seal the bag completely. Use your hands to gently move the chicken around in the bag so each piece is well coated in the balsamic marinade.

If you are using this for meal prep, place the bag in the freezer until you are ready to use it. About 24 hours before you plan to grill the chicken, transfer the bag to the refrigerator and place it on a plate or shallow baking dish to thaw. As the chicken thaws, it will marinate, making dinner even easier. Once thawed, discard the marinade and grill the chicken until it is fully cooked.

If you are making it right away, place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will have. When you are ready to cook, discard the marinade and grill the chicken until cooked through. This recipe serves 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes. This marinade works great as a freezer meal. Just add the chicken and marinade to a freezer bag, seal it well, and freeze until you are ready to use it.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. If you freeze it, the chicken will marinate as it thaws in the refrigerator.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this marinade and are a great option if you prefer dark meat.

Do I have to grill the chicken?
No. Grilling is a great option, but there are other cooking options. You can also cook the chicken in a skillet, bake it in the oven, or use an air fryer.

Can I use another mustard instead of Dijon?
Dijon works best for flavor and texture, but a spicy brown mustard could work in a pinch. Yellow mustard would give a different flavor and is not the best choice here.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It is perfect for making ahead, whether you refrigerate it to marinate for the next day or freeze it for later.

Can I reuse the marinade after the chicken has been in it?
No. Once it has been in contact with raw chicken, the marinade should be discarded.

How long does it take to grill the chicken?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts usually take about 10 to 14 minutes total on a medium to medium-high heat, depending on thickness. Always cook until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees. I love to use a digital meat thermometer.

What can I serve with balsamic grilled chicken?
It pairs well with pasta salad, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a green salad.

Balsamic marinated grilled chicken with herbs

Tips and Tricks

Use a freezer bag. It makes the chicken easy to coat and works well for freezer meal prep.
Marinate as long as you can. More time in the marinade means better flavor.
Use good balsamic vinegar if possible. A flavorful balsamic vinegar will really shine in this recipe since it is the main ingredient in the marinade.
Pound thick chicken breasts if needed. This helps them cook more evenly on the grill.
Do not grill over heat that is too high. The brown sugar can cause the chicken to brown too quickly.
Let the chicken rest after grilling. A few minutes of resting time helps keep it juicy.
Pair it with simple sides. This chicken goes well with grilled vegetables, rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for an easy summer dinner.

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