Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tangy balsamic vinegar with sweet honey and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe promises juicy, tender chicken 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 mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk until well blended and the honey dissolves completely.
2. Step 2: Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well coated, seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the dish, spaced evenly, and pour any remaining marinade over them.
5. Step 5: 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 for extra moisture.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice into thick pieces, arrange on a serving platter, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with your choice of sides.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
• Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for dried oregano and thyme for a fresher taste.
• For a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey or a splash of maple syrup to the marinade.
• Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a microwave or oven until heated through, being careful not to overcook.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight is perfectly fine and will deepen the flavors, but avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the acid in the vinegar from breaking down the meat too much.

Is it necessary to baste the chicken halfway through baking?

Basting is optional but recommended. It helps keep the chicken moist and adds extra flavor from the pan juices.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and herbs. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish offers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a perfect main course for a healthy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal with guests.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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

• 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. Whisk well until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is blended.
2. Season the marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as preferred to enhance the flavors.
3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
5. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
6. Prepare the chicken for baking: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil.
7. Arrange chicken in baking dish: Place the marinated chicken breasts spaced evenly in the prepared dish. Pour any remaining marinade evenly over the chicken for added flavor and moisture.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, 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 baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes; this helps retain the juices when slicing.
10. Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces, arrange on a serving platter, and drizzle with the pan juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with your preferred side dishes like roasted vegetables or quinoa.
11. Store leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
12. Reheat: Warm leftovers in a microwave or oven until heated thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• For best flavor absorption, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight marinating is also excellent.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• You can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones, using about three times the amount for a more vibrant flavor.
• Leftover chicken is great for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
• To add a smoky touch, consider finishing the baked chicken with a quick sear in a hot skillet after baking.

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