Description

This tender, flavor-packed grilled chicken is your new go-to protein! Soaked in a bold marinade featuring balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon, and spices, it’s juicy, charred to perfection, and bursting with savory-sweet magic. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it’s a meal prep hero and a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded to even thickness

For the Marinade:
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1½ teaspoons onion powder
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
In a large freezer bag or glass bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until fully blended.
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken to the marinade and coat evenly. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 12 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Bring to Room Temp:
If refrigerated, let the chicken sit out for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to 400°F. Clean and grease the grates. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Stovetop Method:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook another 5–7 minutes or until 165°F internal temperature is reached.
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking dish. Drain and place chicken in the dish. Bake for 16–18 minutes (depending on thickness) until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

The marinade works great for meal prep—make a double batch and freeze uncooked marinated chicken for future meals.
For extra char flavor, finish grilled chicken with a quick brush of leftover (unused) marinade during the last minute of cooking.
This chicken is perfect sliced over salads, grain bowls, or tucked into wraps.

Always let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling, Stovetop, or Baking
Cuisine: American