This post is sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
Grilling is my favorite way to cook in the warm spring and summer months. Everything about it just feels simpler: the house doesn’t get heated up from the oven, there are generally less dishes to wash, everyone seems more relaxed when we sit down to eat, and the food just tastes like summer. If you like to grill too, you’ll love this easy maple balsamic chicken recipe. With only a few simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare but completely delicious … and it’ll be one you’ll add to the meal plan all summer long whether you’re just cooking for your family or entertaining friends in the back yard! Tyson® All Natural Fresh Chicken is perfect for the little summer get-together, big summer events, and everything in between!
To make maple balsamic grilled chicken, you’ll need to pop in to Target for the following ingredients plus anything else you might need for a back yard celebration:
1 package Tyson® All Natural Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup real maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced, and
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves {you can substitute any fresh herbs you might be growing this summer or leave the fresh herbs out altogether if you want to keep it simple}.
Fresh grilled vegetables are the perfect side for a summer meal when colorful vegetables are in abundance. Grab all your favorites in the produce area. Peppers in every color, whole mushrooms, and red onions are some of my favorites to grill but I also love to add fruit in sometimes too: peaches and pineapple are so good with grilled chicken.
To prepare the chicken, mix the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic cloves, and thyme in a large plastic bag or airtight container. Mix well then sink the chicken breasts into the mixture. Seal the bag or container tightly and place in the fridge for 1-6 hours {depending how much time you have}, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. During that time, turn the chicken a few times to allow it to get fully marinated on all sides.
To prepare the vegetables, cut them into large chunks. When it’s time to cook them, grill them in a pan or on a grilling mat.
When you’re ready to prepare dinner, heat up the grill, remove the chicken from the marinade {discard the extra marinade}, and place the chicken and vegetables on the grill. Keep the grill at medium or medium-low as much as possible to avoid burning the chicken. You may even want to cook the chicken on the upper shelf if your grill has one. With the sugar content in the marinade, burning is possible if it’s cooked at a high temperature.
Grill, turning over to cook both sides of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. Cook the vegetables until they’re tender and slightly charred, stirring or tossing every few minutes. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, as desired or squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over top.
When the chicken and vegetables are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill. Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes then serve alongside the grilled vegetables.
Don’t count on leftovers but if you do end up with some, this grilled chicken is delicious sliced on top of a salad or diced up in your regular chicken salad recipe. In fact, you may want to make a double batch the first night so you can enjoy two dinners with the work of only one.
For more summer recipes and activity inspiration, be sure to check out the Summer Field Guide and savor summer in every bite with Tyson® All Natural Fresh Chicken recipes!
This chicken looked so good that I had to check it out. I have to admit that I am wondering about the maple syrup, but since it looks so good I am going to try it. Thank you for sharing at Organized31.