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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

4.4 from 54 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic vinegar mixture with herbs and honey, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

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

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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.
  2. Mix marinade: Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely.
  3. Season marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
  4. Marinate chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  5. Coat chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  6. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for best flavor infusion.
  7. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  8. Bring chicken to room temp: Remove chicken from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Prepare baking dish: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
  10. Arrange chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared dish.
  11. Add marinade: Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
  12. Bake: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  13. Baste (optional): Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with pan juices for extra moisture and flavor.
  14. Rest chicken: Once cooked, remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
  15. Slice for serving: Slice the chicken breasts into thick pieces.
  16. Plate chicken: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with pan juices.
  17. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
  18. Serve: Serve with preferred sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
  19. Store leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  20. Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 4 hours.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred, adjusting quantity accordingly.
  • Leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
  • Adjust honey amount to taste for more or less sweetness.
  • Use foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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