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. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy and healthy main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended and the honey is completely dissolved.
- Season the Marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully permeate.
- Preheat the Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Optionally, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
- Store Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (2-4 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred; use about 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking time.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, marinated chicken breast, oven baked chicken
