If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy dinner that requires minimal effort and delivers big on taste, this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is the perfect recipe. With a mouthwatering marinade made from balsamic vinegar, honey, and herbs, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining.
The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes every bite satisfying and memorable. Serve it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete, wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just marinate, bake, and serve.
- Healthy & Lean: Made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and heart-healthy olive oil.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and storing leftovers for the week.
- Bold Flavors: Balsamic vinegar and honey create a rich glaze that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes and works for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Whisk until well blended and the honey is fully dissolved.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 to 4 hours preferred).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil.
- Place the chicken in the dish, evenly spaced.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Optional: Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken rests, prepare your favorite side dishes.
- Slice the chicken into thick pieces for serving.
- Arrange on a platter, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve hot with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
This baked chicken pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Grilled asparagus
- Simple garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Tips for Best Results
- Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor. Aim for 4 hours if possible.
- Don’t Overbake: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection without drying out.
- Let It Rest: Resting after baking allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Double the Marinade: For extra sauce to drizzle over veggies or rice, double the marinade and boil the reserved portion separately for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is a winning recipe that checks all the boxes—it’s easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or prepping meals ahead of time, it’s a go-to dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Looking for more easy, healthy dinners? Bookmark this recipe and share it on Pinterest to inspire your weeknight meals!