Balsamic Chicken
Herbed Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Description
Juicy grilled chicken thighs are marinated with 25 Star Dark Balsamic, Garlic Infused Olive Oil, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and garlic, then finished with a warm balsamic glaze and a fresh final drizzle. It is bold, balanced, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner or summer cookout.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, plus longer marinating if desired
Serves: 6
Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 1½ to 2 pounds
½ cup 25 Star Dark Balsamic Vinegar, plus a light drizzle for finishing
3 tablespoons Garlic Infused Olive Oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• In a bowl, whisk together 25 Star Dark Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic Infused Olive Oil, basil, chives, lemon zest, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade before adding the chicken. Set the reserved marinade aside for the glaze.
• Add chicken thighs to the remaining marinade and turn to coat evenly.
• Marinate at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 2–8 hours for deeper flavor.
• Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
• Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade that touched the raw chicken.
• Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
• While the chicken grills, pour the reserved ¼ cup marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
• Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and rest for 3–5 minutes.
• Drizzle with the warm balsamic glaze, then finish with a small fresh drizzle of 25 Star Dark Balsamic just before serving.
Chef’s Tip
Reserve the glaze portion before the chicken goes into the marinade. This gives you a clean balsamic glaze for finishing while keeping the chicken safe, juicy, and full of flavor.
Flavor Variations
• Blackberry Dark Balsamic adds deeper fruit flavor and a rich sweet-savory finish
• Fig Dark Balsamic gives the glaze a warmer, rounder sweetness
• Herbes de Provence Olive Oil creates a more herb-forward grilled chicken profile
• Roasted Chili Olive Oil adds gentle heat and a smoky-savory edge
• Add grilled cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus for a fresh summer plate
Pairings
Serve with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, couscous, corn on the cob, a simple green salad, or crusty bread to catch the extra balsamic glaze.
Build Your Plate
Turn this recipe into a complete meal
Use this as a simple grilled dinner framework: start with balsamic chicken, add vegetables or a side, then finish the plate with the balsamic and olive oil pairing.
Finished Meal
Herbed Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Protein
Chicken thighs, chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, shrimp, or grilled tofu
Vegetables & Sides
Grilled zucchini, asparagus, corn, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, couscous, green salad, or crusty bread
Flavor Pairing
25 Star Dark Balsamic with Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Recipe Notes
Chicken thighs are forgiving on the grill and stay juicy, but this method also works with chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness and begin checking the internal temperature earlier so they do not overcook.
