Description
Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is the perfect solution when you’re craving a simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner. This dish takes just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, yet it delivers a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. With the tangy bite of balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of honey, and the aromatic blend of herbs, this baked chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken in the prepared baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the chicken warm and enjoy!
Notes
To ensure your Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast turns out perfectly moist and bursting with flavor, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you can let the chicken marinate in the balsamic-honey mixture, the more time the flavors have to penetrate the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but you can also marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
– Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will result in juicy, tender chicken every time.
– Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish, making sure they are not touching. This allows the chicken to bake evenly and prevents steaming.
– Baste the Chicken: For extra flavor and moisture, baste the chicken with the marinade a few times during the baking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: [SODIUM]
- Fat: 4 grams
- Saturated Fat: [SATURATED_FAT]
- Unsaturated Fat: [UNSATURATED_FAT]
- Trans Fat: [TRANS_FAT]
- Carbohydrates: [CARBS]
- Fiber: [FIBER]
- Protein: 32 grams
- Cholesterol: [CHOLESTEROL]