Description
Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy, slightly sweet balsamic vinegar-based marinade, then baked until juicy and tender. With minimal ingredients and prep time, this dish offers a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that pairs well with just about anything—whether it’s served with veggies, over a salad, or alongside your favorite grains.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh, if preferred)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well-combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any remaining marinade) and place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in the juices. Slice it and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken breasts instead of baking them. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side over medium heat.
If you prefer a spicier version, add some chili flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade.
This recipe can be made with bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to 30-35 minutes depending on the thickness of the pieces.
Feel free to double the recipe for more servings, just ensure the chicken is spaced apart on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
