Description
This flavorful chicken marinade combines tangy balsamic vinegar, savory soy sauce, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar to tenderize and infuse chicken breasts with a delicious depth of flavor. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade enhances your chicken with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zesty notes, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or other vinegar)
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Main Ingredient
- 6 chicken breasts (about 3.5 lb)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon or spicy brown mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined to create a balanced and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the mixture. For best absorption of flavors and tenderness, coat evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This resting period allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the chicken for enhanced flavor and juiciness.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and cook using your preferred method—grilling, baking, or pan-searing—until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption while retaining moisture and flavor.
- Handle Leftover Marinade: Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. If you wish to use it as a sauce, bring it to a full boil for several minutes to kill any harmful bacteria before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, but overnight marination yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- If using marinade as a sauce, always boil it first to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to make the marinade less sweet if desired.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
