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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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