Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

A simple, flavorful dinner with a tangy-sweet twist.

Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4

Table of Contents

Overview

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep. Juicy chicken is marinated in a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s a fuss-free dish that delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

🛒 Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

🥣 Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the honey fully dissolves.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2–4 hours).

3. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil.

4. Bake

Arrange the chicken in the baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
(Optional) Baste with pan juices halfway through for extra flavor.

5. Rest & Serve

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes to retain juices.
Slice into thick pieces and serve with roasted veggies, rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad.
Garnish with fresh basil for an added pop of flavor and color.

💡 Tips & Variations

Swap the vinegar: Try apple cider or red wine vinegar for a different twist.
Add veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, or bell peppers to roast alongside the chicken.
Top it off: Sprinkle with feta or goat cheese for a creamy finish.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

✅ Why You’ll Love It

Quick prep with minimal cleanup
Healthy and high in protein

Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for any night