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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast recipe, featuring a tangy balsamic vinegar marinade with honey, garlic, and herbs, baked to juicy perfection and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

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. Whisk together until well blended and the honey dissolves completely.
  2. Season the Marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference to enhance the flavor.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow the chicken to come to room temperature by removing it from the fridge 10-15 minutes beforehand.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
  6. Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish, then pour any remaining marinade over the top to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Optionally, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking to increase moisture and flavor.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy meat.
  9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or quinoa for a complete meal.
  10. Store Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using a microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate; longer marination (2-4 hours) enhances taste.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can substitute if needed.
  • To make the dish gluten-free, verify that balsamic vinegar and honey brands contain no additives with gluten.
  • Leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for versatile meals.
  • For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the marinade.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, marinated chicken, honey balsamic chicken

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