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A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

5 from 8 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option, combining tender chicken breasts with a tangy balsamic marinade infused with garlic, honey, and herbs. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, delivering juicy, aromatic chicken baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 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

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves (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 together until the honey dissolves completely and the mixture is well blended.
  2. Season the Marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference to balance the savory and sweet flavors.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
  4. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes to promote even cooking. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil.
  5. Arrange and Bake: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish evenly spaced. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken for extra flavor. Bake uncovered for 25-30 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.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender chicken.
  7. Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with the pan juices and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa for a complete meal.
  8. Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat using a microwave or oven until warmed through.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the 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 available, using about 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano and thyme.
  • Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a slightly different flavor profile and health benefits.
  • Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad to keep this meal nutritious and balanced.
  • Leftover chicken can also be shredded for salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, easy dinner recipe, healthy chicken recipe, marinade chicken, balsamic vinegar, garlic chicken, oven baked chicken