Description
Baked Balsamic Chicken Breast delivers a flavor-packed dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout. Tender chicken marinated in tangy balsamic vinegar and herbs creates a simple yet delicious meal my family craves on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g total)
Liquid Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
Dry Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or basil, oregano, and thyme mix)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Steamed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with light grease or parchment paper. This ensures your chicken won’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Combine ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Transfer 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) into a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets completely coated.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade directly over the chicken to maximize flavor absorption.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Slice the chicken breasts and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve warm alongside cherry tomatoes or steamed vegetables if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat and boost flavor depth.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F without overcooking, which can dry out the breast.
- For a lower-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or omit entirely for a tangier profile.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before marinating to help the sauce adhere better and create a more even coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg