Description
A simple and quick balsamic marinade transforms chicken breasts into juicy, tender bites bursting with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds / 450-680g)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) good-quality balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or pinch each of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them, coating each piece well. Marinate for at least 5 minutes, ideally 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If chicken breasts are uneven, gently pound to about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thickness.
- Bake chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Halfway through, baste chicken with marinade juices. Tent with aluminum foil if browning too fast.
- Check doneness when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear and chicken feels firm but springy.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
[‘Do not skip the marinade; even 5 minutes improves flavor and moisture.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).’, ‘Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices.’, ‘Baste halfway through baking to keep chicken glossy and flavorful.’, ‘Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.’, ‘Avoid crowding the pan to ensure roasting instead of steaming.’, ‘Marinate no longer than 1 hour to prevent meat breakdown from acid.’, ‘Bone-in chicken requires longer baking time (30-35 minutes).’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 40
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken