Description
An easy yet elegant dish that transforms weeknight dinners into something special with tender chicken in a tangy balsamic marinade.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until blended, ensuring the honey is fully dissolved.
- Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but aim for 2 to 4 hours for the best flavor impact.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
- Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in the baking dish, spaced evenly.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For added flavor, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve sliced on a platter, drizzled with pan juices and garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight; experiment with fresh herbs or different sweeteners for flavor variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg