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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors, enhanced by a caramelized oven-baked finish. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for an easy, healthy, and impressive meal.

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, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon recommended)
  • Black pepper, to taste (freshly cracked)

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk thoroughly until the honey dissolves completely, creating a smooth and well-blended marinade. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is ideal for baking the chicken to a juicy and caramelized finish.
  4. Prepare the Chicken for Baking: Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken for extra moisture and flavor. Bake 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.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more flavorful chicken when sliced.
  7. Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken breasts into thick pieces for attractive presentation. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with your preferred sides such as roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
  8. Store Leftovers: Cool leftover chicken completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel in short intervals or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Customize the herbs by substituting or adding others such as rosemary or basil according to your preference.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
  • Consider serving with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
  • Fresh basil garnish adds color and a touch of freshness but is optional.

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, marinated chicken, weeknight dinner, balsamic vinegar chicken, honey garlic chicken

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