Description
This Maple Balsamic Herb Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh thyme. Grilled to perfection with a balance of sweet, tangy, and herbal notes, this dish makes a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag, then pour most of the marinade over the chicken, reserving a small amount to brush on the chicken later while grilling. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Refrigerate: Put the marinating chicken in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours for the best flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and brush the grill grates or pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Optionally, brush with the reserved marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour to ensure flavor absorption; overnight marinating enhances taste further.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid under or overcooking.
- The pinch of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your preferred heat level.
- This recipe works well with a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
