Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken

This honey balsamic grilled chicken is marinated in simple ingredients for big flavor. It’s easy to make, juicy, and so very delicious!

When the weather is warm you can find me using my grill almost every single day. Cooking outside instead of in the kitchen? Sign me up! I really do believe it’s the best way to create healthy meals. Entrees, sides, and even desserts can be quickly made on the grill but cooking chicken is my specialty.

For this easy recipe you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are harder to dry out so if you’re worried about overcooking your chicken I suggest trying thighs. I most often use chicken breasts in my home. Choose whichever you prefer.

To make this chicken special we’re whipping up a delicious balsamic chicken marinade from just a handful of ingredients. This flavorful marinade is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy thanks to honey, balsamic vinegar, and a few seasonings. I am certain you’re going to love it!

Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs both work well. You can use skin-on chicken thighs too if you’re wanting the fun of crispy skin!
• Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a punch of tanginess to our chicken.
• Honey: Honey adds some sweetness to this balsamic marinade and balances out the savory flavors.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are the only seasonings you need to flavor this easy marinade.

How to Make Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Let’s make this balsamic chicken recipe, shall we? Place chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable bag with all marinade ingredients. Seal bag, squeezing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the bigger the flavor.

Oil the grill grates with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the chicken has finished marinating, grill your chicken on an outdoor grill. I use a gas grill just because it’s so easy but a charcoal grill is a great option. To grill, remove each chicken breast or thigh from the bag and place on a hot grill over medium heat. Throw away any excess marinade remaining in the bag.

Grill with the lid closed 4 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping only once for nice grill marks. Cook time may increase if you’re using bone-in chicken. Your chicken should be a beautiful golden brown and juices should run clear.

If you find that you regularly overcook chicken I recommend getting a meat thermometer. It’s a most accurate way to make sure your chicken is the right temperature when you take it off the grill. For chicken you’re wanting the thickest part of the meat to have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. It will continue to cook once removed from the grill so take it off at around 150/160 degrees in order to avoid it drying out.

Will this Marinade Work Well with Other Proteins?

Yes! I love this delicious marinade with chicken thighs and breasts but it’s also fantastic with turkey, steak, or pork.

How Long Should You Marinate Chicken?

For maximum flavor I recommend marinating chicken for at least an hour and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate the more pronounced the flavor will be. I don’t recommend longer than 12 hours because your meat can start to breakdown and the texture changes if it sits in a marinade for too long. (That goes for any marinade.) If I’m grilling in the evening I think it’s a great idea to get everything marinating in the morning.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken

Want to enjoy this honey balsamic grilled chicken recipe the next day or later in the week? This entree makes great leftovers and it’s perfect for meal prep! Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

You can also freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken

There are so many ways to serve this chicken. Pair it with summer salads like my Blueberry Citrus Spinach Salad or Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad for a healthy dinner. These Rainbow Fruit Skewers would be such a fun addition to your plate too!

You can also quickly grill a side dish while making this chicken. Try my Grilled Zucchini and Squash, Grilled Vegetables, or Grilled Pineapple Slices! Other easy sides you can make in the kitchen are my Garlic Green Beans or Spicy Roasted Broccoli. If you’d like to add a carb I suggest white rice, brown rice, a baked potato, or my Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes.

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