If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful chicken dish that feels a little fancy but is actually super simple to make, this Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tangy balsamic vinegar with a hint of honey and garlic, roasting alongside sweet cherry tomatoes for a vibrant meal that’s both healthy and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe always delivers a beautiful balance of rich flavors and tender, juicy chicken that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe plays a starring role, bringing together layers of flavor and texture effortlessly. They’re simple staples that come together to create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours, but really only requires minutes of prep.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each): The perfect base for absorbing the tangy balsamic marinade while staying tender.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, slightly sweet acidity that’s absolutely essential for that signature flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the vinegar with natural sweetness, letting the dish shine.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps everything caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Gives the marinade a subtle kick that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses a hint of herbal warmth for extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice to keep things lively.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the balsamic beautifully.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved: Roast alongside the chicken, bursting with sweetness and juiciness.
- Chopped parsley for serving: Freshens up the dish with a pop of color and flavour.
How to Make Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the chicken cook quickly, sealing in the juices and allowing the marinade to caramelize beautifully. While the oven is warming, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry so the marinade sticks better. To ensure even cooking, cover each breast and gently pound them to the same thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This little trick makes a big difference in tenderness and makes every bite perfect.
Step 2: Make the Balsamic Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. This combination brings a harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, creating a marinade that’s bursting with flavor. Pour this marinade over your chicken breasts placed in an oven-safe dish, then flip each piece to coat every inch. Trust me, that honey and garlic in the marinade will work magic as it bakes!
Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Bake
Next, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish. As they roast, these tomatoes soften and caramelize, adding natural sweetness that complements the balsamic and balances the dish beautifully. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat poultry every time.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top to add a fresh, vibrant finish. This simple garnish not only looks gorgeous but also elevates the flavors with an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the marinade.
How to Serve Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes like chopped parsley or even fresh basil leaves. These add a burst of color that makes the dish pop on the plate and a fresh flavor contrast to the savory-sweet chicken. A wedge of lemon on the side also works wonders if you want a little zesty lift just before eating.
Side Dishes
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Think fluffy quinoa, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad for a balanced plate. Roasted or steamed green beans bring a nice crunch, while a creamy risotto can add richness without overwhelming the flavors of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve each chicken breast on a bed of the roasted cherry tomatoes and drizzle with any juices left in the baking dish. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan for extra texture and flavor. If you want to keep things casual, slice the chicken and toss it into a hearty salad with some arugula and goat cheese for a fresh twist on this delicious Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your chicken and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated for a quick meal the next day without losing flavor or moisture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well if you want to prep in advance. Place the cooked chicken breasts and tomatoes in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. Make sure to cool everything completely before freezing, and use within 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave on medium power, covered loosely with a damp paper towel, but reheating slowly in the oven helps keep the chicken juicy and the tomatoes from turning mushy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but cooking times will need to be adjusted. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer and add 5-10 minutes if needed. Using boneless makes for quicker, more even cooking.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps them cook uniformly and keeps them tender. If your chicken breasts are already fairly uniform, you can skip this step, but it’s a good technique for consistent results.
Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar with another vinegar?
While balsamic vinegar offers a unique sweetness and depth, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly, losing some of that signature richness from the balsamic.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it’s perfect if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure any side dishes you pair with it are also free of dairy products.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the balsamic mixture overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat even more. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor without a complicated process. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly impressive and always gets people asking for seconds. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it, and it quickly becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, and herbs, roasted alongside sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple, wholesome dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Accompaniments
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature to bake the chicken evenly and lock in the flavors.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Cover each breast with plastic wrap and gently pound them using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of equal thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Make Marinade and Coat Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts placed in a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish, flipping each piece to coat thoroughly.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, allowing them to roast alongside and add natural sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked for safety and optimal juiciness.
- The halved cherry tomatoes roast during baking, adding a natural sweetness that complements the balsamic glaze.
- You can substitute dried basil with fresh basil if preferred, adding it at the end to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
