Description
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic, then baked alongside sweet cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a delicious balance of savory and tangy flavors with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even and thorough baking of the chicken and tomatoes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of even thickness. Arrange the flattened chicken breasts evenly in a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, flipping each piece to coat both sides evenly and maximize flavor absorption.
- Add the Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, allowing them to roast alongside the chicken and add natural sweetness and color.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken and tomatoes from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair the dish with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- You can substitute dried basil with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil for a fresher herb flavor.
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the center of the chicken to verify that there is no pink and the juices run clear.
- Leftover balsamic chicken and tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with tomatoes
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg