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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 131 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, and herbs. Baked to perfection in the oven, it offers a deliciously balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and herbal aroma. Garnished with fresh basil, this dish is perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner paired with your favorite sides.

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. Mix thoroughly: Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely.
  3. Season the marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
  4. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  5. Coat chicken with marinade: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  6. Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for the best flavor penetration.
  7. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
  8. Bring chicken to room temperature: Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Prepare baking dish: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  10. Arrange the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
  11. Add marinade: Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken breasts evenly.
  12. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  13. Baste (optional): About halfway through baking, baste the chicken with pan juices to enhance flavor and moisture.
  14. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  15. Prepare sides: While the chicken rests, prepare your desired side dishes such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
  16. Slice chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thick slices for presentation and ease of serving.
  17. Plate the dish: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with the pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
  18. Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and fresh aroma, if desired.
  19. Serve: Serve immediately with your preferred sides.
  20. Store leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely; then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  21. Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until heated through before serving again.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for a deeper flavor.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • For crispier edges, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Leftovers can be repurposed in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for easy meals.
  • Substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred; increase quantity by threefold.
  • Honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.

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

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