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Blackberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Tender grilled chicken marinated in a blackberry-balsamic blend, then finished with a rich, jammy blackberry glaze. Perfect for summer grilling and a stunning dinner party showstopper.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 31 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 724

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups blackberries mashed, for marinade
  • 1 cup olive oil for marinade
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar for marinade
  • 1 tsp hot sauce a few shakes
  • 2 tbsp white sugar for marinade
  • 2 tbsp steak seasoning Montreal Steak Seasoning recommended
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 3 lbs total
  • 0.5 cup cold water for glaze
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch whisk into cold water before heating
  • 0.5 cup white sugar for glaze
  • 0.33 cup balsamic vinegar for glaze
  • 1 cup blackberries for glaze, fresh or frozen

Equipment

  • Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan
  • Large Zip-Lock Bag
  • Small saucepan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Meat mallet

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, mash 2 cups of blackberries well. Combine with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, white sugar, and steak seasoning. Add chicken breasts to a large zip-lock bag, pour in the marinade, seal and shake to coat evenly.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. Turn the bag every couple of hours for even marinating. The chicken will turn a deep purple color from the berries. This is normal.
  3. Heat your grill to medium heat. If chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet for more even cooking.
  4. In a small saucepan, whisk cornstarch into cold water before turning on heat. Add sugar, balsamic vinegar, and blackberries. Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries and stirring until the glaze thickens, about 4 minutes. Reduce to low and keep warm.
  5. Grill chicken for 5 to 8 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer. Do not press down on the chicken while grilling.
  6. Plate the hot grilled chicken and spoon the warm blackberry balsamic glaze generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

The blackberry marinade will turn the outside of the chicken deep purple. This is normal and adds great flavor. Always whisk cornstarch into cold water before heating to avoid lumps in the glaze. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.