This ultimate grilled chicken marinade delivers succulent, restaurant-style flavor with a tangy-savory mix of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Infused with rosemary and Dijon mustard, this easy recipe transforms any chicken cut into a grilled masterpiece.
½ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium optional)
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
1/8 cup fresh lemon juice
¾ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3.5 lb chicken)
In a large ziplock bag, combine oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, rosemary, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Shake well to dissolve the sugar.
Place chicken in the bag, seal, and gently massage to coat evenly.
Put the sealed bag in a large bowl to catch potential leaks, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting it drip for 1 minute.
Grill chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using darker meat like thighs or drumsticks, add 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Season with salt immediately after grilling.
Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent over-tenderizing the meat.
For a smoky twist, add 1 tsp smoked paprika.
Use the ziplock method to minimize mess and maintain a clean kitchen.
Leftover marinade can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.