Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy dinner option that combines the rich tang of balsamic vinegar with sweet honey and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding delicious depth of flavor.

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 mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk well until the honey dissolves completely.
2. Step 2: Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours for best flavor and tenderness.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
6. Step 6: Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
7. Step 7: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish and pour any leftover marinade over them.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Optionally, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking.
9. Step 9: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
10. Step 10: Slice the chicken into thick pieces, arrange on a serving platter, and drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
11. Step 11: Serve alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
• Try swapping dried oregano and thyme for fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the chicken.
• For a thicker glaze, simmer leftover marinade on the stove until it reduces before drizzling over the chicken.

Storage

Allow leftover chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain tenderness and flavor.

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 increase the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I serve with balsamic baked chicken?

This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a tender, flavorful dinner option that’s both easy to prepare and packed with a delicious blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and herbs. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, this dish makes an excellent main course for weekday meals or special gatherings.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

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 (Optional)

• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme until fully blended and the honey has dissolved.
2. Season the Marinade: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference and mix well.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, thoroughly coating each piece. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Preheat the Oven: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Optionally, baste the chicken halfway through the baking time with pan juices to retain moisture.
7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in the juices.
8. Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with the pan juices and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
9. Storage and Reheating: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Substitute fresh herbs if preferred, adjusting quantities accordingly.
• For a gluten-free meal, verify that honey and other ingredients have no additives.
• This recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

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