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
Scale
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.
