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Grilled Chicken Marinade with Balsamic Glaze

A simple 6-ingredient grilled chicken marinade made with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Slow-grilled to perfection and finished with a rich homemade glaze.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Marinate Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 584

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken any cut, bone-in thighs recommended
  • 2 tbsp steak seasoning
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.5 cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar packed, for marinade
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice optional but recommended
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar reserved for boiling the glaze

Equipment

  • Gas or charcoal grill
  • Gallon-size ziplock bag
  • Colander
  • Small saucepan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Place chicken in a large gallon-size ziplock bag. Sprinkle with steak seasoning and press it into the surface of the chicken with your hands.
  2. Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and lemon juice to the bag. Seal and shake to coat evenly. Place bag inside a deep plate to catch any leaks.
  3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 48 hours. A minimum of 30 minutes works if short on time.
  4. Set a small saucepan under a colander and strain the chicken through it to collect the marinade. Set chicken aside on a plate.
  5. Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates. Place chicken over direct heat, close the lid, and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until browned with grill marks.
  6. Flip the chicken with tongs and move to the indirect heat side of the grill. Turn off that burner and reduce the other to medium-low, between 250 and 275 degrees F. Cover and cook for 30 to 50 minutes depending on thickness, brushing with reserved marinade once or twice.
  7. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer and juices run clear.
  8. Pour the reserved marinade into the saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened. Drizzle over grilled chicken before serving.

Notes

Marinate in the fridge at all times unless cooking within 30 minutes. Always boil the reserved marinade before using as a glaze to ensure food safety. Leftover marinade (without raw chicken) can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.