Introduction

This balsamic baked chicken breast recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tangy balsamic marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding a delicious depth of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides for a complete meal.

A white plate holds two main parts: on the left, a fresh green salad made of bright, leafy greens with light green stems, drizzled with a dark balsamic dressing and sprinkled with black pepper, and on the right, several thick slices of grilled chicken breast showing a glossy, golden-brown surface with charred black grill marks; the chicken pieces are lined up in a slightly fanned-out arrangement, some revealing the juicy, light interior. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light coming from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely.
Step 3: Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Step 5: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for best results.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 8: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Step 9: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 10: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spaced evenly.
Step 11: Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
Step 12: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 13: Optionally, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking.
Step 14: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Step 15: Prepare any desired sides while the chicken rests.
Step 16: Slice the chicken into thick pieces for serving.
Step 17: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with pan juices.
Step 18: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Step 19: Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
Step 20: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Step 21: Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken longer, up to overnight, for even deeper flavor and tenderness.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if available for a brighter taste.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or oven until warmed through, taking care not to overcook and dry out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of four grilled chicken breasts in a black pan, each piece golden brown with dark grill marks and sprinkled with green rosemary sprigs. A shiny silver spoon is pouring a dark brown, thick sauce with visible small seeds and herbs over the front chicken breast. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with small roasted potatoes, with a blurred bunch of green herbs on the right side. The entire scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can bake the chicken with the marinade poured on top. However, allowing at least 30 minutes to marinate will improve the taste significantly.