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Grilled Lemon Balsamic Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4.1 from 33 reviews

This flavorful chicken marinade recipe combines olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic to create a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Ideal for grilling, this marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with rich taste, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. Chicken Breasts (Tenders, or Thighs)
  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (depending on preference)
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced or 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh Parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly stir together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper to create a well-incorporated marinade.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Using a fork, pierce the chicken breasts all over to help absorb the marinade. Place the chicken pieces in a large Ziploc bag, then pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Let it Marinate: Refrigerate the chicken while it marinates for at least 30 minutes, although 4 to 5 hours is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  4. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat and lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  5. Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken onto the grill. Cook each side for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, adjusting time based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  6. Rest the Chicken: After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken for 4-5 hours enhances flavor and tenderness, but minimum 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
  • If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce alone will still provide good flavor with a salty umami kick.
  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will produce a juicier, more flavorful result.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • To prevent flare-ups on the grill, pat excess marinade off the chicken before placing it on the grill.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/grilled-lemon-balsamic-chicken-marinade-recipe/