Description
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful mixture of balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs, then baked alongside sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, delivering juicy chicken with a delightful tangy-sweet glaze and roasted veggies bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
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 it is hot enough to bake the chicken and tomatoes evenly, promoting thorough cooking and caramelization.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly without drying out. Arrange the flattened breasts in a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish.
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined, creating a tangy, sweet, and herby marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Flip the chicken breasts to coat evenly, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Add the Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish to roast alongside. The tomatoes will soften and sweeten during baking, complementing the chicken perfectly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through and remains juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked chicken and tomatoes from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking and to avoid drying out.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of dried basil; substitute 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil if preferred.
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the center of the chicken to check that there is no pink and that juices run clear.
- Store leftover chicken and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with tomatoes
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg