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A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

5.2 from 16 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a flavorful, juicy, and tender chicken dinner that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress. Marinated in a savory blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and herbs, the chicken is baked to perfection, making it a healthy and delicious option for a weeknight meal or casual dinner gathering.

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.
  2. Whisk Ingredients: Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is well blended and the honey is completely dissolved.
  3. Season Marinade: Add salt and pepper to the marinade according to your taste preferences.
  4. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to develop.
  6. Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Prepare Chicken for Baking: Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
  8. Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish and pour any leftover marinade over them.
  9. Bake: Bake the chicken in the 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 for extra moisture.
  10. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter, drizzling with pan juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
  12. Accompaniments: Serve with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
  13. Store Leftovers: Cool any leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  14. Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours if possible to intensify the flavors.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.
  • Using fresh herbs instead of dried oregano and thyme will give a more vibrant flavor—if available.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness profiles.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain moisture for a tender bite.
  • Leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for versatile meals.
  • For a gluten-free version, confirm that all ingredients including honey and spices are gluten-free certified.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic baked chicken, balsamic chicken recipe, baked chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, honey balsamic chicken