Description
Balsamic baked chicken breast delivers a simple weeknight dinner solution that brings robust flavor to your table. Marinating the chicken in tangy balsamic vinegar creates tender, juicy meat your family will absolutely devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Whisk ½ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper until honey dissolves completely.
- Transfer chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag. Pour entire marinade over the meat, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with foil and lightly grease with olive oil spray.
- Transfer marinated chicken breasts into prepared baking dish. Pour remaining marinade directly over the meat. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Pull chicken from oven and allow it to rest for 8 minutes. This helps retain moisture inside the meat.
- Slice chicken into thick portions. Arrange on a serving plate and sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Marinate chicken for the full 2-4 hours when possible, as longer marinating time allows deeper flavor penetration.
- For gluten-free version, verify balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free, as some brands might contain gluten.
- To prevent dry chicken, avoid overcooking and let the meat rest after baking so juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Prep Time: 40-55 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg