Description

This flavorful chicken marinade combines olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, and a selection of herbs and spices to infuse chicken breasts with a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade enhances chicken’s tenderness and juiciness, making for a delicious and easy meal.

Ingredients

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Marinade Ingredients

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or other vinegar)
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/8 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

Main Ingredient

6 chicken breasts (about 3.5 lb)

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined to create a balanced and flavorful mixture.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the mixture to allow full flavor penetration.
Chill and Infuse: Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption and enhance the tenderness of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and cook using your preferred method—grilling, baking, or pan-searing—until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.
Handle Leftover Marinade: Discard any leftover marinade, or if you wish to use it as a sauce, bring it to a rolling boil for several minutes to eliminate any raw chicken bacteria before serving.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
The marinade can also be used with other cuts of chicken or even other meats like pork or beef.
Always discard or boil leftover marinade to avoid foodborne illness.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control sweetness according to taste.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Category: Marinade
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American