Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, and herbs. Simple to prepare and baked to perfection, it’s a wholesome meal that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or quinoa.
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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Mix the Marinade: Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to the marinade as preferred.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Coat Chicken with Marinade: Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Place Chicken in Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Remaining Marinade: Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken breasts.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste Halfway: Optionally, baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare Sides: While the chicken rests, prepare any desired side dishes.
- Slice for Serving: Slice the chicken into thick pieces for easier serving.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with the pan juices.
- Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves on top if using, for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy with Sides: Serve with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
- Store Leftovers: Allow leftover chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a microwave or oven until heated through.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness significantly, but if short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes works.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, basting the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking is recommended.
- Fresh herbs like basil are optional but add a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Store leftovers properly in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for best quality.
- This recipe pairs well with a variety of sides including quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, honey balsamic chicken, easy chicken recipes, healthy baked chicken
