Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Balsamic baked chicken breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet marinade. It’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal prep, delivering juicy results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
2. Step 2: Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until well blended and the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
5. Step 5: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Step 8: Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
10. Step 10: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared dish.
11. Step 11: Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
12. Step 12: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
13. Step 13: If you like, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking for extra moisture.
14. Step 14: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
15. Step 15: Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter.
16. Step 16: Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
17. Step 17: Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a slight kick.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried for a brighter taste.
• For a low-sugar version, reduce or omit the honey.
• Try garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or chives as an alternative to basil.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to retain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the baking time to ensure they cook through fully.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can bake the chicken with the marinade poured on top for a decent flavor boost.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 66 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s a simple, healthy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, with a beautiful balance of tangy and sweet flavors enhanced by aromatic herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely.
2. Season the Marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken marinates and comes to room temperature.
6. Prepare for Baking: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spaced evenly apart. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken breasts for extra flavor.
8. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Optionally, baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking to keep it moist.
9. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
10. Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle the pan juices over the slices and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or quinoa for a complete meal.
11. Storage and Reheating: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for more intense flavor.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried if preferred; adjust quantity accordingly.
• If you don’t have parchment or foil, use a lightly oiled baking dish directly.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
• This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
• Leftovers can be shredded for sandwiches or salads.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, balsamic vinegar chicken, baked chicken, honey garlic chicken