Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast (Print Version)
Juicy chicken breasts baked in a tangy balsamic honey glaze with garlic and herbs for a caramelized, flavorful finish.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Marinade & Glaze
02 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or basil, oregano, thyme mix)
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
10 - Chopped fresh parsley
11 - Cherry tomatoes, halved
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Italian herbs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for best flavor, or proceed immediately if short on time.
04 - Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
05 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
06 - Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The glaze caramelizes into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen
- It is practically impossible to mess up, even on a chaotic weeknight
02 -
- Balsamic glaze burns quickly, so check at the 20 minute mark especially if your chicken breasts are on the thinner side
- Letting the chicken rest is not optional, cutting into it immediately will let all that beautiful juice run onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat
03 -
- Pound thicker ends of the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for effortless cleanup