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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

A comforting, quick dinner idea with tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, golden edges, and juicy chicken, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds) Pound to even thickness if needed.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Swap with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Aged balsamic gives deeper complexity.
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Use maple for a vegan-ish twist.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Or use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds tang and emulsifies the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano Fresh herbs work beautifully too.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for a little heat.
Garnish
  • chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • lemon wedges

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil the pan.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Baking
  1. Place the chicken in the baking dish and pour half the glaze over the breasts, turning them to coat evenly.
  2. Reserve the remaining glaze for brushing later.
  3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Halfway through cooking, baste with the reserved glaze.
Serving
  1. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken, garnish, and serve warm.

Notes

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently to preserve texture. Variations include using different herbs or adding vegetables for a sheet-pan meal.