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 pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more if you like heat!)
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 large sealable plastic bag. Pour most of the marinade over the chicken, reserving a small amount for brushing later. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached 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 to retain its juices before serving. Optionally brush with reserved marinade while grilling for extra flavor. Enjoy your flavorful maple balsamic herb chicken!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 12 hours) will deepen the flavor and make it more tender.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without over or undercooking.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if necessary (use 1/3 the amount).
- For added smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips during grilling.
- This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American