Dig into this tangy, tender chicken breast for a scrumptious lunch or dinner main.
After a few years of only eating plant-based meals, I’ve recently reintroduced meat to my diet. Chicken is such an easy and cheap option, and since we have local farmer friends who offer high-quality products, there’s really no arguing when it comes to the quality of this poultry. In particular, balsamic chicken breast has become a staple in many households because it’s so simple, easy, and delicious.
With a marinade that tastes like a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, balsamic chicken adds more pizzazz to the dining table. Even though its flavor is powerful, it goes great with a wide array of sides like noodles, veggies, or rice. So if you’re tired of the same-old-same-old chicken dish, try this one. Every time I enjoy it, it transports me to a savory-sweet paradise that doesn’t leave me hungry or craving for more.
Try balsamic chicken with your loved ones for lunch or dinner, and let us know how it goes in the comments! You’d be surprised by how one simple dish can become a family favorite.
Can I marinate the meat for longer?
This recipe recommends marinating chicken breast in the balsamic vinegar mixture for at least 10 minutes. But I like to go for a couple of hours so that it soaks into the meat and makes it nice and tender. You can even leave it covered in the fridge overnight, but make sure not to marinate it for longer than 24 hours. Otherwise, it will become mushy. In my experience, three to four hours of marinating is perfect for a juicy and tender chicken breast.
How do I store leftovers?
Once your balsamic chicken cools to room temperature, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Then you can easily pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until it’s warm all the way through. For longer storage, transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
Like I said, balsamic chicken is a winner because it can be paired with all kinds of yummy sides. But first—garnish it with some freshly chopped parsley. This brightens up the chicken with more color and flavor. Next, pair it with a hearty carb like Riced Sweet Potato, Garlic Noodles, Mashed Red Potatoes, or Orange Rice. I also find that balsamic chicken complements Maple-Glazed Carrots and Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 pounds total
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the marinade and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 13-17 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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