• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Meghan It Up
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Italian Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Collaborate
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Italian Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Collaborate
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
  • ×
    MeghanItUp » Recipes » Grill

    Best Easy Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

    Published: Mar 21, 2025 by Meghan Birnbaum · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Love it? Share it!

    Jump to Recipe
    Balsamic grilled chicken hidden pin.

    My Balsamic Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and packed with bold flavors from a tangy balsamic marinade made with extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Grilled over medium-high heat on a hot grill, this easy recipe creates juicy chicken breasts with a delicious caramelized finish. Perfect for meal prep, summer salads, grain bowls, or a hearty main dish, this grilled chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy recipes with simple ingredients!

    Balsamic grilled chicken on a plate.

    This balsamic grilled chicken is a go-to recipe for juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The tangy balsamic marinade, made with extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey, infuses the boneless chicken breast with deep, rich flavor while keeping it tender and moist.

    Grilled over medium-high heat on a hot grill, the chicken develops beautiful grill marks and a delicious caramelized glaze. Using a meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches the perfect doneness without overcooking, preventing dry chicken.

    This easy recipe is great for meal prep, summer salads, grain bowls, or paired with roasted sweet potatoes and vegetables for a balanced meal. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a grill pan on the stove top, this grilled chicken recipe delivers the best results every time!

    Looking for more? Try my Grilled Chicken Piccata, Grilled Chicken Spiedini or Grilled Italian Dressing Chicken.

    Balsamic grilled chicken with extra glaze.
    Jump to:
    • 🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Step by Step Instructions
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Chef's Tips
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • 🥣 Storage & Reheating
    • 🌿 Related Recipes
    • 🥗 Pairing Recommendations
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 🌡️ Food safety
    • 💬 Reviews

    🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe

    • Easy and flavorful – This balsamic grilled chicken uses a tangy balsamic marinade with simple ingredients for a quick and delicious meal.
    • Perfect for meal prep – Juicy chicken breasts stay tender and reheat well, making them great for summer salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
    • Grill or oven-friendly – Whether using an outdoor grill, grill pan, or baking in the oven, this recipe delivers the best results with minimal effort.

    🥘 Ingredients

    Balsamic grilled chicken ingredients.
    • Boneless Chicken Breast – Lean, tender, and perfect for absorbing the bold flavors of a tangy balsamic marinade, creating juicy chicken breasts with every bite.
    • Balsamic Vinegar – Rich and slightly sweet with a deep tang, this adds depth to the marinade and helps caramelize the chicken while grilling.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Enhances the marinade with a smooth, velvety texture while keeping the chicken moist and preventing it from drying out on the grill.
    • Dijon Mustard – Sharp, slightly spicy, and tangy, this ingredient helps emulsify the balsamic chicken marinade while adding a subtle kick of flavor.
    • Honey – A touch of natural sweetness that balances out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and helps create a beautifully caramelized glaze on the grilled chicken.
    • Dried Oregano – Earthy and aromatic, this classic herb adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy balsamic reduction.
    • Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the marinade and ensuring each bite is well-seasoned and delicious.
    • Black Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor, complementing the sweet and tangy notes of the balsamic vinegar marinade.
    • Balsamic Glaze – Thick, glossy, and packed with concentrated balsamic flavor, this glaze creates a rich caramelized coating when brushed on the chicken while grilling.
    • Avocado Oil – With a high smoke point, this oil is perfect for greasing the grill grates and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly without sticking.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Step by Step Instructions

    Marinate chicken.

    Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl or resealable bag, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the boneless chicken breast and toss to coat evenly. Cover or seal bag and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours.

    Grilled chicken.

    Preheat the grill: Set the outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates with avocado oil using a paper towel to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

    Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 3 minutes. Rotate each piece 90 degrees and grill for another 3 minutes to create cross-hatch grill marks.

    Flip and baste: Turn the chicken over and brush the grilled side generously with balsamic glaze. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, rotating 90 degrees halfway through for even grill marks.

    Check the internal temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Once it reaches 165 degrees F, remove from the grill.

    Resting Chicken.

    Rest and serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with summer salads, grain bowls, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Chef's Tips

    • Let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling – Taking the marinated chicken out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking ensures even grilling and helps prevent dry chicken. Cooking cold chicken straight from the fridge can cause it to seize up, making it less tender and juicy.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

    Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and stay extra juicy thanks to their higher fat content. Simply follow the same marinating and grilling instructions, but increase the cook time slightly—about 5–6 minutes per side—until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

    🥣 Storage & Reheating

    Let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove top or in the oven to maintain juiciness.

    🌿 Related Recipes

    • featured image for chicken spiedini.
      Grilled Chicken Spiedini Recipe (Easy Italian Skewers)
    • featured image of mustard rub chicken.
      Mustard Rub for Chicken
    • Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Sauce and Crispy Butter Potatoes
    • featured image for Italian dressing chicken.
      Italian Dressing Chicken

    🥗 Pairing Recommendations

    • Tagliolini al limone featured image.
      Tagliolini al Limone (Italian Lemon Pasta Recipe)
    • Zucchini Couscous featured image.
      Zucchini Couscous (with Lemon & Pearl Couscous)
    • Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino featured image.
      Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino (Easy Pasta Recipe)
    • featured image for spaghetti alla carrettiera.
      Spaghetti alla Carrettiera

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!

    📋 Recipe

    Balsamic grilled chicken featured image.

    Balsamic Grilled Chicken

    Meghan Birnbaum
    This Balsamic Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for salads, sandwiches, or a balanced meal. Marinated in a tangy-sweet balsamic blend and grilled to perfection, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Marinating Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 4 Serving
    Calories 251 kcal

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Loading

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Meghan It Up.

    Equipment

    • Grill & tongs
    • Meat Thermometer
    • Cutting board
    • Chef's Knife
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Whisk

    Ingredients
      

    Chicken & Marinade:

    • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 ¼ pound, sliced lengthwise into 4 cutlets
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

    For Grilling & Basting:

    • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
    • Avocado oil for greasing the grill grates
    Get Recipe Ingredients
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, oregano, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Add the chicken cutlets and toss until fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
    • Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to 500°F and grease the grates by rubbing them with avocado oil on a paper towel.
    • Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes.
    • Flip and baste: Turn the chicken over and brush the grilled side with balsamic glaze. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
    • Finish and rest: Flip the chicken once more and brush the remaining side with balsamic glaze. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
    • Oven instructions: Preheat the oven to 450°F and place the marinated chicken on a broiler pan. Bake for 5 minutes per side, basting periodically with balsamic glaze. Switch the oven to broil for the last minute to enhance caramelization.
    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 535mgPotassium: 254mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

    The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and tag @MeghanItUp on social!

    🌡️ Food safety

    • Chicken - Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Grill

    • Grilled Prawns featured image.
      Easy Grilled Prawns (Whole Grilled Shrimp)
    • Grille Ribeye Steak featured image.
      Best Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe (4 Ingredients!)
    • Grilled Branzino featured image.
      Whole Grilled Branzino with Lemon and Herbs
    • Grilled Chicken Piccata featured image.
      Grilled Chicken Piccata with Easy Lemon Sauce

    Love it? Share it!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Balsamic grilled chicken hidden pin.

    Meet Meghan

    Hi, I'm Meghan!

    Come join me in my culinary adventures where we'll be using simple, fresh ingredients and transforming them into delicious and easy meals for the everyday home cook. I am a mom, wife, foodie, wino, recipe developer, food photographer, and blogger. My goal is to make your life more delicious from food, wine, everyday, and travel. I'm so happy you're here!

    More about me →

    Pasta

    • featured image Baked Pasta Bolognese.
      Homemade Baked Bolognese Pasta with Cheesy Topping
    • paccheri alla norma featured image.
      Paccheri alla Norma (Pasta with Fried Eggplant)
    • featured image tortellini alla vodka.
      Tortellini Alla Vodka
    • featured image for Italian short ribs.
      Italian Short Ribs in Ragu (Braised Beef Recipe)

    Popular

    • featured image for blackened ahi tuna.
      Blackened Ahi Tuna Steaks (Seared Tuna Steak Recipe)
    • featured image for stl salad.
      St Louis Original Italian Salad (Pasta House Salad)
    • Easy Japanese Sesame Dressing
    • chicken salad new grapes
      Chicken Salad (no grapes)
    • Caesar Salad.
      10 Minute Easy Table Side Mexican Inspired Caesar Salad
    • turkey pesto wrap.
      The Best Pesto Turkey Wrap
    • Award Winning Crockpot Chili Recipe
    • Classic Olive Oil Sorbet (Or Sherbet) Recipe

    Footer

    Balsamic grilled chicken hidden pin.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • ABOUT ME
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • OPT-OUT PREFERENCES
    • ACCESSIBILITY POLICY
    • COOKIE POLICY
    • TERMS OF SERVICE

    Newsletter

    • SIGN UP FOR EMAILS & UPDATES!

    Contact

    • WORK WITH ME
    • CONTACT

    I MAY EARN FROM QUALIFIED PURCHASES MADE THROUGH AFFILIATE LINKS ON MY WEBSITE, AT NO COST TO YOU. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

    Copyright © 2024 Meghan It Up LLC®

    DO NOT SELL OR SHARE MY INFORMATION

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required