Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a delicious recipe for summer. The juicy and tender chicken marinates in a lovely balsamic vinegar mixture, and is topped off with my favorite sweet and spicy salsa.
If you want more delicious chicken recipes, try my Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken and my Stuffed Fajita Chicken.
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Why this Grilled Balsamic Chicken Recipe is a Keeper?
I love this chicken marinade recipe because it’s a flavorful chicken dinner, that’s different than other chicken dishes. It’s sweet, savory and oh so good!
- Juicy Chicken Breast: The balsamic marinade helps keep the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Fresh Summer Flavor: Strawberry salsa adds brightness and color to the easy marinade chicken. Perfect for the grill.
- Easy Entertaining: Perfect for backyard cookouts and casual dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find ingredients with big flavor payoff.
- Serve This Grill Recipe With: Serve this recipe with grilled vegetables, House Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing or Grilled Warm Potato Salad.
How Do you Keep Balsamic Grilled Chicken Juicy?
The best way to keep any chicken juicy is to make sure it’s not being overcooked. Don’t try to cook it too hot or too fast, and use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken on the grill.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“I made this tonight and I was told it was better than anything they ate in a restaurant..”
~ Michele E
Balsamic Chicken Marinade Ingredient Notes
This cooked chicken recipe uses only a few simple ingredients you probably already have, or can grab in one quick trip to the store.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to make this easy chicken recipe.
- Fresh Produce: I always prefer to use fresh strawberries, red onion, jalapeno and parsley. If you’re feeling really ambitious, pick up a lemon at the store for fresh lemon juice.
- Flavorful Balsamic Vinegar: This will be the base of your marinade for flavorful chicken, so use a brand you like, I like an aged balsamic. It coats the chicken with flavor.
Variations For Grilled Chicken Breast with Balsamic Glaze
Raw chicken recipes tend to be super customizable. Try this easy recipe with added spice, fruit or with other cuts of chicken for dinner.
➡️ Boneless Chicken Thighs: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
➡️ Add Heat: Stir diced jalapeño into the strawberry salsa.
➡️ Change Fruit: Replace strawberries with peaches or mango during summer months.
➡️ Serve Differently: Slice the chicken over salads, rice bowls or wraps. Or your favorite grilled veggies such as grilled zucchini.
➡️ Boost Freshness: Add avocado before serving for extra creaminess.
Kitchen Tools To Make Juicy Balsamic Grilled Chicken Easier
There are a couple tools that can definitely make this delicious grilled chicken easier.
- Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan: Gives the chicken smoky flavor and grill marks.
- Instant Read Thermometer: Helps prevent dry overcooked chicken.
- Tongs: Makes flipping chicken easier without tearing the meat.
Make Grilled Chicken With Balsamic Chicken Marinade
In just 3 steps, you can have your own homemade tangy balsamic chicken. It takes just a little bit of effort, but the results are so worth it.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Grill & Make the Tangy Balsamic Marinade: Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Mix together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken & Make Salsa: Add the chicken to the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes. Mix together the diced strawberries, jalapeno, red onion, parsley, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, and discard any excess marinade. Grill to perfection, or when the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Serve with strawberry salsa on top.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips to Marinate Chicken
Get a head start to make dinner even easier.
➡️ Marinate Early: Prepare the chicken marinade several hours ahead for deeper flavor.
➡️ Prep Salsa Ahead: Chop the salsa ingredients and refrigerate separately until serving.
➡️ Use Prepped Produce: Store-cut strawberries can save time.
➡️ Trim Chicken Ahead: Prep chicken cutlets the night before for faster assembly.
Alternate Methods for Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Make this juicy grilled chicken breast recipe another way by using your air fryer, grill pan or oven.
- Grill Pan Method: Use a stovetop grill pan to create similar char and texture. Place the chicken breasts on a hot grill and flip about halfway.
- Oven Broiler Method: Broil the chicken on a sheet pan while watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook marinated chicken in the air fryer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway.
How Long Should Chicken Marinate in Balsamic Vinegar?
You should let the chicken marinate in the balsamic vinegar for about 15 minutes.
Does Balsamic Vinegar Tenderize Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts?
It does! However, too long in a vinegar marinade can affect the chicken’s texture.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
- Storing: Refrigerate leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm chicken gently in the microwave or skillet to avoid drying it out.
- Using Leftovers: Slice leftover chicken for salads, wraps, grain bowls or sandwiches. It can be great as meal prep for a few days.
Expert Tips for Making Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Marinade
➡️ Do Not Over-Marinate: Too much balsamic vinegar can affect the chicken texture if left too long.
➡️ Preheat the Grill: Hot grates help create better grill marks and reduce sticking.
➡️ Rest Before Slicing: Resting keeps the chicken juicy.
➡️ Cut Evenly: Uniform chicken thickness helps prevent dry spots.
➡️ Add Salsa Last: Spoon the strawberry salsa on just before serving to keep it fresh.
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Grilled Balsamic Chicken Breast with Strawberry Salsa
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Ingredients
Balsamic Marinade
- ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic, grated or finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper, to taste
- 4 Chicken breasts, skinless chicken breast halves
Strawberry Salsa
- 2 cups Strawberries, diced
- ½ Jalapeno, finely minced
- ¼ cup Red onion, finely minced
- 1½ teaspoon Parsley, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium high.
- Mix together all of the marinade ingredients.
- Place chicken in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together all of the salsa ingredients and set aside.
- Grill marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165℉.
- Remove chicken from the grill and serve with Strawberry salsa on top.
Christina’s Notes
- Hot Grill: A preheated grill helps give the chicken nicer grill marks, and helps it to not stick.
- Allow to Rest: Letting the cooked chicken rest before slicing helps to keep it juicy.
- Add Salsa Last: Add on the salsa just before serving.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
oh, my word! Excellent! I added feta cheese to the salsa. Easy and delicious.
What a great summer chicken dish. So refreshing!
I made this tonight and I was told it was better than anything they ate in a restaurant.
That’s a win, for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Will you new recipes for blueberries?
I should have a few more coming out soon 🙂
Christina, I have been making this since I saw it on Home and backyard, it is one of our favorites.
Thank you
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks for watching! 🙂
Does anyone have a suggestion for what temperature and how long to cook the chicken if done in the oven instead of the grill?
Thank you!
I go with 165 degrees for doneness. The amount of time will depend on the thickness and type of chicken.
This sounds delicious and looks beautiful! I’ll be making it before the weekend’s over! Thank you!
It’s always a hit at our cookouts!
Not only does it sound delicious it is delicious! I have made this recipe many times and so happy that I found a chicken recipe that kicks it up a notch.
I love this idea!