This maple balsamic chicken is so easy! It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and it only takes a few minutes to throw together. This balsamic marinade uses balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard and seasoning. It is gluten free and dairy free!
The balsamic vinegar in this maple balsamic chicken gives the steak or chicken a delicious tangy flavor, while the mustard adds a bit of heat. The garlic powder and onion powder add depth of flavor, and the nutritional yeast adds a nutty, cheesy flavor.
why you’ll love this recipe
- This maple balsamic chicken is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
- It is quick and easy to make, so you can have a delicious and flavorful meal on the table in no time.
- It is versatile, so you can use it on both steak and chicken. You can even use it on skewers with vegetables!
- The chicken skewers are then grilled to perfection, resulting in a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dish. You can serve these skewers with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
- This recipe is also a great option for meal prep. Simply marinate the chicken skewers in advance and then grill them on the day of your meal. This will save you time and effort on a busy weeknight.
- The ingredients are simple and easy to find.
- The marinade can be made in minutes.
- The chicken skewers can be grilled in under 10 minutes.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to your own preferences. For example, you can add different vegetables to the skewers, or use a different type of chicken.
ingredients & substitutions
balsamic vinegar
- Sweet and tangy flavor: Balsamic vinegar has a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the taste of steak and chicken. The sweetness helps to balance out the richness of the meat, while the acidity helps to tenderize it.
- Acid content: Balsamic vinegar is acidic, which helps to break down the tough proteins in meat, making it more tender. The acid also helps to preserve the meat, so it stays fresh longer.
- Antioxidants: Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the meat from harmful bacteria.
- Cooking properties: Balsamic vinegar can be cooked at high temperatures without losing its flavor or nutritional value. This makes it ideal for use in marinades that will be cooked, such as those used for grilling or baking.
Dijon mustard
- Dijon mustard has a sharp, tangy flavor with a slightly sweet finish. It is made from brown mustard seeds that have been ground and mixed with vinegar, water, and spices. The acidity in Dijon mustard helps to tenderize meat by breaking down the tough proteins. This is why Dijon mustard is often used in marinades for steak.
- When used on steak, Dijon mustard helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat. It also helps to create a crispy crust on the outside of the steak when it is grilled. The mustard can also be used as a finishing sauce for steak, simply brush it on the steak after it has been grilled.
- Dijon mustard can also be used on grilled vegetables. The acidity in the mustard helps to tenderize the vegetables and the flavor of the mustard complements the sweetness of the vegetables. To use Dijon mustard on grilled vegetables, simply brush the mustard on the vegetables before grilling. The vegetables will absorb the mustard and develop a delicious flavor.
garlic powder + onion powder + nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is often used as a vegan cheese substitute. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor that can be used to season a variety of dishes, including meat and vegetables. It’s great to use in a situation where you want the recipe to be dairy free but still want that cheesy favor.
Here are some tips for seasoning meat or vegetables with nutritional yeast:
- Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Nutritional yeast can be quite potent, so it is important to add it gradually.
- If you are using nutritional yeast in a marinade or sauce, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to blend together.
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute grated Parmesan cheese or dairy free grated Parmesan cheese.
Maple Syrup
The maple syrup helps to give the maple balsamic chicken a sweet taste. If you don’t have maple syrup you can use honey or agave.
taste & texture
The grilled maple balsamic chicken skewers have a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the vegetables are crispy and flavorful. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and helps to keep it moist while it cooks. The grilling process also adds a nice char and smokiness to the chicken.
The texture of the chicken is tender and juicy. The vegetables are crispy and flavorful. The marinade helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, while the grilling process adds a nice char and smokiness.
The chicken is tender and juicy, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor from the marinade. The vegetables are crispy and flavorful, with a slightly charred flavor from the grilling process. The marinade is sweet, tangy, and smoky, with a hint of garlic and onion.
directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
Step 2
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat.
Step 3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Step 4
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat.
Step 5
Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
Step 6
Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve immediately.
expert tips & tricks
- Use a good quality balsamic vinegar. The vinegar will be the star of the marinade, so it’s important to use a vinegar that you like the taste of.
- If you’re grilling the steak or chicken, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help to ensure that the steak or chicken cooks evenly.
- If you’re pan-frying the steak or chicken, use a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of oil to the skillet before adding the steak or chicken. This will help to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan.
- Serve the steak or chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- This maple balsamic chicken is perfect for both steak and chicken. For steak, I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate for up to 24 hours. For chicken, I recommend marinating for at least 1 hour, but you can marinate for up to 12 hours.
how to serve & store
To serve: Serve the skewers immediately after grilling, or let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve the skewers with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or quinoa. You can also add a dipping sauce, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based sauce.
To store in the fridge: Grilled chicken skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store, place the skewers in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, reheat the skewers in the oven or on the grill.
To store in the freezer: Grilled chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the skewers in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to eat, thaw the skewers overnight in the fridge and then reheat them in the oven or on the grill.
To reheat: To reheat grilled chicken skewers, preheat your oven or grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on a baking sheet or grill pan and reheat for about 5 minutes per side, or until heated through.
You can also reheat the skewers in a pan on the stovetop. Just add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the skewers from drying out.
Maple Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 pound steak or chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
- Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
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