Balsamic Baked Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and tender Balsamic Baked Chicken recipe featuring marinated boneless skinless chicken breasts baked to perfection with a tangy balsamic vinegar and honey glaze, infused with garlic and herbs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep, served with your favorite sides.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time of 2-4 hours recommended)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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)
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade 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, preferably 2 to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Chicken for Baking: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spaced evenly. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Bake 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 keep it moist.
- Rest Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, juicy chicken.
- Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces for serving. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
- Store Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if preferred—use triple the amount.
- Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
- Leftovers can also be shredded for salads or sandwiches.
Keywords: Balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, balsamic vinegar marinade