Juicy Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Craving a simple yet delectable balsamic baked chicken breast that promises incredible flavor?

Juicy meat becomes the star when marinated with tangy vinegar and herbs.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating this mouthwatering dish.

Weeknight dinners require smart, quick solutions that don’t compromise taste.

Mediterranean influences shine through each succulent bite of perfectly seasoned poultry.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this straightforward recipe.

Prepare to experience a chicken dish that elevates your home cooking game.

Storage Advice for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken cools completely before covering to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover with a damp paper towel.

FAQs About Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Can I use other types of vinegar instead of balsamic?

Yes, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor profile will be slightly different from traditional balsamic.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Reasons to Love Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Unlock Quick Flavor Magic: Transform plain chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with minimal ingredients and simple preparation techniques.
• Master Healthy Cooking: Enjoy a low-calorie protein option packed with delicious balsamic glaze that's both nutritious and satisfying for health-conscious food lovers.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Impress family and guests with a gourmet-style chicken recipe that looks and tastes sophisticated without requiring professional cooking skills.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single baking dish, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights and stress-free meal preparation.

Ingredients for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the centerpiece of this flavorful baked dish.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil: A dynamic duo that creates a rich, tangy coating for the chicken and helps tenderize the meat.
• Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, complex flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination that brings depth, herbs, and essential flavor to the chicken.

How to Prepare Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This will ensure the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Blend

• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Honey
• Dijon mustard

Blend these ingredients until they create a smooth, aromatic marinade.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece gets completely covered with the delicious marinade. Use a spoon or brush to help spread the sauce evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Cook for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius. You can check this using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. Before serving, drizzle the cooking juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before baking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover baking dish with foil during first 20 minutes to keep chicken moist and prevent overcooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap Dijon mustard for gluten-free version to make recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add Extra Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top before serving for added texture and nutty flavor.

Variation Suggestions for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Chicken: Replace balsamic vinegar with lemon juice, add fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Sriracha Honey Chicken: Swap Dijon mustard with sriracha sauce, increase honey amount, and add red pepper flakes for a hot and sweet variation.
• Gluten-Free Coconut Chicken: Use coconut aminos instead of balsamic vinegar, add shredded coconut to the marinade for a tropical, allergen-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Herb Butter Chicken: Eliminate honey, incorporate grass-fed butter and fresh herbs like parsley and chives for a keto-friendly alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

• Roasted Veggie Medley: Toss colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions with olive oil and herbs, roasting alongside the chicken for a complementary side that absorbs the tangy balsamic glaze.
• Creamy Parmesan Risotto: Craft a smooth, rich risotto that balances the chicken's acidic notes with its luxurious, cheesy texture, creating a harmonious main course combination.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the balsamic's intensity, refreshing the palate with each sip and enhancing the chicken's complex flavors.
• Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tangy balsamic glaze and herbs create a succulent main dish that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish and arrange the chicken breasts, ensuring they are positioned to absorb maximum flavor.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, honey, and Dijon mustard until smoothly combined.
3. Generously coat each chicken breast with the balsamic mixture, rotating to ensure complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
4. Position the baking dish in a preheated oven at 400F (200C), allowing the chicken to roast and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
5. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C) and exhibits a golden-brown appearance.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
7. Slice the chicken against the grain and drizzle with the concentrated pan juices for an extra burst of flavor before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking, enhancing the depth of taste.
• Choose thin chicken breasts or butterfly thicker cuts to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• For a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce overall sugar content.
• Enhance the dish’s versatility by using the same marinade for other proteins like pork tenderloin or tofu, adapting the cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 202 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 273 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 72 mg