Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is a quick and healthy dinner option that combines simple ingredients for a gourmet flavor. The chicken is enveloped in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze that makes it incredibly tender and juicy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2–3 cloves of freshly minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ to 1 inch if necessary.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. If using, stir in honey, maple syrup, or Dijon mustard.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade or place them in a resealable bag, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C). If not, return it to the oven for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the chicken against the grain or serve whole, drizzling any pan juices over the top.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking. Avoid over-marinating to prevent a mushy texture, and consider searing the chicken for added flavor. Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.