This Maple Rosemary Grilled Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness while rosemary gives it a refreshing twist!
Grilling makes this dish juicy and delicious—just the way we like it! I love serving it with some veggies or a nice salad for a colorful meal that’s easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for quick cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for its rich flavor. If you’re out or prefer something less sweet, honey can be a great substitute.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary elevates the flavor, but if you only have dried, that’s perfectly fine—just use less (1 tablespoon instead of 2).
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely texture and helps with grilling. If needed, avocado oil or any light oil can work well too.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Both add acidity to balance out the sweetness. You could also use white wine vinegar or a splash of lime juice.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The marinade is crucial for ensuring juicy chicken. Here’s how to make it work:
- Whisk the marinade ingredients well and ensure it’s fully mixed before adding the chicken.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but 3-4 hours is ideal for a deep flavor.
- Before grilling, let the chicken sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off; it helps with more even cooking.
- Always grill on medium-high. This gives good sear marks without drying out the meat. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F/75°C) to avoid overcooking.
Let the chicken rest after grilling—it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist!
How to Make Maple Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (3-4 hours for the best flavor). Grill time is around 12-14 minutes. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, aim for 3-4 hours for extra flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is where you get that perfect sear on the chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade for safety. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps the juices settle back into the meat. Slice, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a drizzle of maple syrup if you’d like, then serve and enjoy your delicious meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your Maple Rosemary Grilled Chicken!
FAQs About Maple Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will be longer—around 10-15 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for proper cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No problem! You can use dried rosemary instead. Just remember to use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent—1 tablespoon of dried rosemary should suffice.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add the chicken to it only right before grilling for optimal flavor absorption.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can also slice it and add it to salads or wraps!
