This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Baked Balsamic Chicken Breast is one of those simple, real-life recipes that makes dinner feel effortless again. It’s juicy, flavorful, and made with ingredients most of us already have at home – olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and oregano.
It’s the kind of meal I come back to again and again, especially on busy weeknights when I’m juggling kids, work, and everything in between.
The marinade is light but deeply satisfying – sweet, tangy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced. And the best part? It bakes in under 30 minutes, with no fuss and no standing over the stove.
Serve it with oven fries, boiled corn on the cob, or a simple Napa Cabbage Salad for an easy dinner. I often make a few extra pieces to slice over quinoa or pasta for lunch the next day – still juicy, still delicious.
If you’ve been around since my 2015 Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Chicken Quinoa Bowls, this method might feel familiar.
That same simple approach – marinated, oven-baked chicken that stays tender inside – absolutely deserved its own recipe post.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for the whole family, even picky eaters.
- Juicy and flavorful every time — no dry chicken here.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients that fit into a healthy routine.
- Perfect for meal prep — stays tender for days.
What Ingredients You’ll Need For Balsamic Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 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)
How to tenderize and flatten chicken breast?
You’ll need a meat mallet or rolling pin.
There are two options, depending on how thick the chicken breast is and how thin the final result should be.
- Cut each chicken breast in half, through the middle lengthwise.
- Cover with plastic wrap and using a meat mallet pound to the desired thickness. Be gentle, so the meat doesn’t get smashed.
- The second option is just to tenderize the whole breast, without cutting it through the middle.
How to Make Baked Boneless Skinless Balsamic Chicken Breast
- Flatten the chicken: If the breasts are thick, place them between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
3. Marinate: Add chicken to the bowl (or a baking dish) and coat evenly. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes if you have time — the flavors deepen beautifully.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle with the pan juices for extra flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Want a one-pan meal? Add veggies like cherry tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the baking dish.
- If you’re worried about dryness, you can loosely cover the dish with foil while baking.
- For an extra-glossy finish, simmer the leftover sauce in a small pan until slightly thickened.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in a skillet or air fryer.
FAQ
Yes – boneless thighs work great. Just increase bake time by about 5-10 minutes.
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even deeper flavor.
Reduce it on the stove for a few minutes until it thickens naturally. I personally prefer thinner sauce.
More Chicken Recipes:
- One Pan Chicken And Rice
- Chicken and Asparagus Foil Packets
- Try this Keto Whole Roasted Chicken from Cassidy’s Craveable Creations.
This is the kind of simple, nourishing dinner that fits right into real life – healthy, flavorful, and family-approved.
Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- 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
- If the chicken breast is too thick, you can pound it with a meat mallet until it is 1/2-inch thick.
- Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, oregano and black pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure it is evenly coated. Let is sit for 10 minutes if you have the extra time.
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Bake chicken at 400 F for 25 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 F.
Video
Notes
What to serve Balsamic Chicken Breast With?
This chicken breast goes well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables or oven fries, salads.How to prevent this balsamic chicken from drying out?
You can cover the baking dish with foil, to prevent overcooking. Check the meat temperature, it should not exceed 165 F.Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Of course! Follow the same cooking instructions. You may need to increase the cooking time with 5-10 minutes. You can also use other types of chicken like chicken drumsticks, chicken breasts or tenders. Chicken drumsticks may take longer to cook, while chicken breasts and tenders will require shorter cooking time.Can I make the recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 3 days in advance.Adding vegetables to the dish:
I personally prefer not to add veggies to the dish, but you can certainly do so. Adding tomatoes, peppers, Brussel sprouts or carrots is a great idea.Can I make the balsamic glaze thicker?
Yes, you can, but I doubt it would be thin. If this is the case, simmer the glaze on the stove top until thickened.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made it. it’s delicious. My kids will love it, they love baked chicken.
Everyone in my house lobes baled chicken so I decided to give this one a try! The balsamic glazing makes this one so good indeed! I am planning to cook again really soon. Yummy!
Do you leave the chicken
in the marinade to bake or remove?
You bake it with the marinade.
Delicious. I’ve usually got chicken breasts in the freezer and garlic bulbs on hand. The rest of the items are in my pantry so this is an easy dinner to put together. I brine the chicken and let it marinate for the recommended 10 minutes.
Thank you!!!