If you’re looking for a simple and flavor-packed recipe to grill, you must try this Balsamic Rosemary Grilled Chicken! Chicken soaks in a robust marinade of garlic, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and rosemary before heading off to the grill. Serve as is with just about any side dish or slice to top of your favorite salad.
Sorry for yet another chicken recipe. I swear to you, I’m not trying to bombard you with poultry recipes, I just didn’t recipe plan very well this week. I had a couple projects to work on, Mal’s softball, plus the preparation/final touches for Haileigh junior year prom which was on Friday, so needless to say my schedule was thrown out of whack. The good news? I squeezed in this balsamic rosemary grilled chicken before all the chaos.
Now it’s Sunday and I’m sitting in bed with a cup of coffee in my left hand as I punch the keyboard with my right.
It’s already been a few days since I made this and I’m reminiscent of how mouthwatering this balsamic rosemary chicken smells and tastes. One of my favorite marinades. Hands down. The true magic happens when grilling and the remaining marinade that has clung to the chicken caramelizes. Not to mention the smell of this chicken grilling is phenomenal.
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you’re aware of my love for my herb garden. This time of year is when I plant an array of fresh herbs, from basil to oregano, in the raised garden on my back porch. There’s something I find extremely special about walking a few steps outside to snip fresh herbs. Sure, it saves me a some money at the grocery store and I have a endless supply at my fingertips, but it’s so much more than that. It’s like, look at me! I grew this!
Totally soul satisfying.
One herb I always have in my garden is rosemary. I LOVE rosemary. If only to run my fingers down a stem to smell the woody fragrance. I love cooking with it. This simple marinade is a delicious blend of balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic and rosemary is a perfect example. I’ve grilled it and served it as is, but it’s also mighty delicious sliced and on top of your favorite leafy salad.
To Make This Balsamic Rosemary Grilled Chicken you will need:
- fresh garlic
- rosemary
- dark brown sugar
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- balsamic vinegar
- tamari
- olive oil
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
Pretty basic ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
In a medium size bowl, measure and add 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 3 to 4 cloves freshly grated (peeled) garlic, 1 rounded tablespoon of finely minced fresh rosemary (which is about 1/4 cup loose – give or take), a couple turns of freshly ground black pepper and a couple pinches of red pepper flakes.
Next pour in 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons light olive oil (or any light flavorless oil) and 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or low-sodium soy sauce.
Then simply whisk well to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Alternatively, you could make this marinade in your food processor.
Place the chicken in a shallow bowl and pour the marinade overtop, toss to coat and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Next, slip it into your refrigerator for anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to overnight even. This is great for making in advance and meal prepping.
Time to Grill!
Spray your grill pan or use a paper towel dipped in some avocado or olive oil and grease your out door grill prior to preheating. Preheat your grill pan on medium to medium-high heat (stovetop) or your outdoor grill to 400°-450℉ (or 200°-230℃), adjusting the temperature as it cooks to avoid burning.
Please note that cooking times depend on the thickness and sized of your boneless skinless chicken breasts. My cooking times are based on using thin-cut chicken breast halves.
Serve with asparagus, or my favorite, grilled zucchini OR slice and serve on your favorite salad. I’ve got a berry 😉 good salad I’ll be sharing with your tomorrow, so stay tuned for the deliciousness!
Enjoy! And if you give this Balsamic Rosemary Grilled Chicken recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Grilled Balsamic Rosemary Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 4 cloves minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 pinches red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari
- 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil, or any light, flavorless oil
- 1½ pounds thin-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- In a medium bowl add the chicken (thin-cut breasts or even thigh meat will work).
- In a smaller bowl whisk together the sugar, garlic, pepper, pepper flakes, rosemary, vinegar, tamari and olive oil until combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or overnight.
- Spray your grill pan or use a paper towel dipped in some avocado or olive oil and grease your out door grill prior to preheating.
- Preheat your grill pan on medium to medium-high heat (stovetop) or your outdoor grill to 400°-450℉ (or 200°-230℃), adjusting the temperature as it cooks to avoid burning.
- Grill the first side for 3 to 4 minutes before turning and continuing to grill for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. You'll know the balsamic rosemary grilled chicken is ready to turn because the chicken will easily release itself from the grill grates. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving or slicing.
- Please note that cooking times depend on the thickness and sized of your boneless skinless chicken breasts and that my cooking times are based on using thin-cut chicken breast halves.
Notes
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So this was delicious…. I know it may sound a bit odd with all that vinegar, but I must say it is turned out so flavourful! I should say I used white pomegranate-quince balsamic and it was ah-maz-ing! Strongly recommend!
Thank you, Laurie, for another delicious recipe!
I’m so happy you tried the recipe and liked it, E!
Anything I can sub for the brown sugar to make it sugar free
Hi Amy! I would try substituting with coconut sugar. 🙂
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! I used to make balsamic chicken often, but sort of forgot about it over the past few years. I was craving it this weekend and came across your recipe; I’m so glad I tried it! I sub’d coconut sugar and used a bit less tamari and vin; marinated for about 18 hours (it was part of a bunch of food prep yesterday), and baked it today. I also reduced the marinade down by boiling and then simmering it in a sauce pan, then added sliced red onions and cooked until they were soft. I poured the reduction over the chicken at dinner, and HOLY CRAP. This is going in my recipe book for sure! Thank you, thank you!!!
I’m so glad, Siobhan!Thank you for taking the time to not only make this recipe, but also for leaving such a great review. It’s greatly appreciated!