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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.

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. 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

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/balsamic-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/