If you’ve been hunting for a dish that brings juicy, tender chicken bursting with flavor to your weeknight table, the Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe is here to steal the show. This recipe is pure magic in simplicity—featuring a marinade that perfectly balances tangy balsamic vinegar, savory soy sauce, and fragrant garlic, resulting in chicken breasts that are irresistibly moist and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own or jazz it up in salads, pasta, or grain bowls, this dish is your new go-to for a fuss-free, show-stopping meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward dinner bliss. Each element plays an important role—from the olive oil that keeps the chicken tender, to the dried oregano delivering an earthy herbal note, and the balsamic vinegar adding that signature tangy sweetness and depth of color you’ll adore.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each): Choose even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly and remain juicy throughout.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and carries the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami punch and balances the vinegar with a salty depth.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient delivering tang, sweetness, and that gorgeous rich color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s aroma lifts the entire dish, giving it warmth and complexity.
- 2 tsp dried oregano: Brings a fragrant herbaceous punch that complements the balsamic balsam perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just enough spice to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste: Enhances all flavors and ties the dish together.
How to Make Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by checking the thickness of your chicken breasts. If any pieces feel thick or uneven, gently pound them down to about a half-inch thickness using a meat mallet—this ensures they’ll cook evenly and remain juicy.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. This blend creates a marinade that’s tangy, savory, and aromatic, setting the stage for your chicken to soak up all those incredible flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, then pour the marinade evenly over them. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure every piece is thoroughly coated. If you have a bit of extra time, let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes to soak in the flavors even deeper.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slide the baking dish in and bake the chicken for about 25 minutes. A handy tip is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest point for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
How to Serve Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish by topping the chicken with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Sprinkle a little extra black pepper or even some toasted pine nuts for a satisfying crunch. These simple garnishes add freshness and a pop of texture that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a vibrant quinoa salad. For an easy, fresh contrast, toss together a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the baked balsamic chicken thin and layering it over warm pasta tossed with sautéed spinach and cherry tomatoes. Or cube the chicken and toss into grain bowls with avocado, roasted sweet potato, and a lemon tahini dressing for a wholesome, colorful meal that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover baked balsamic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient and tasty protein addition to quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken breasts separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it covered on medium power, but be careful not to overcook so it stays moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will take a bit longer to cook, so increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 10 minutes?
While you can bake the chicken immediately after coating, allowing it to marinate even for 10 minutes lets the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing every bite.
Can I substitute balsamic vinegar with another type?
You can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but balsamic vinegar provides a unique sweet-tangy depth that really defines this recipe’s signature flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; it should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken is both safe to eat and juicy.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, this Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe is very adaptable. Just adjust the marinade amounts proportionally and make sure the chicken pieces aren’t overcrowded in the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that is both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to prepare, and this Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a delightful way to bring a bit of elegance to your everyday meals with minimal fuss. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it might just become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Baked Balsamic Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful, and juicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and oregano, then baked to perfection. This versatile recipe pairs well with pasta, salads, or grain bowls.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, gently pound them using a meat mallet until they are about 1/2-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade evenly over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated. If time allows, let the chicken sit and marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the chicken breasts for approximately 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- For even cooking, pounding the chicken breast to a uniform thickness is recommended.
- Marinating for longer than 10 minutes, up to a few hours in the refrigerator, can deepen the flavors.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with your choice of pasta, salad, or grain bowl for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
