Balsamic Chicken Marinade

5 from 29 votes

This flavorful balsamic chicken marinade is quick to make with pantry ingredients—perfect for grilled, baked, or pan-seared chicken recipes.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken, poultry marinade, brine recipe, marinade recipe, balsamic chicken marinade

Servings: servings

Calories: 35kcal

¼ cup balsamic vinegar (I like Costco's Kirkland brand)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon prepared Dijon mustard (I like Trader Joe's or Grey Poupon)
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano roll the dried herbs between your fingers to crush them and release the oils
1 teaspoon dried basil roll the dried herbs between your fingers to crush them and release the oils
salt and freshly ground pepper white pepper is ideal

Using a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Marinade chicken pieces in this poultry marinade for 6-12 hours.
Use this as a make-ahead dinner: prepare the marinade in the morning and marinate the chicken all day. Then, it's all ready when it's time to make dinner in the evening.

Recipe Variations:

Storing Instructions:

If you have any excess, unused honey balsamic marinade, put it in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Discard it as soon as you take the chicken out. Do not reuse it.
To freeze, just place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to six months.
When ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the recipe as normal.

Make Ahead Instructions:

Use this as a make-ahead dinner, you can prepare it in the morning. Then, let the chicken marinate all day in the refrigerator. When it is time for dinner, it will be ready to cook.