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Baked Balsamic Chicken Breast Recipe – this is seriously the juiciest, delicious and easy to make baked chicken breast. Loaded with simple flavors, this could be served on its own or added to pasta, salads or grain bowls.
Serve with my Oven Fries Recipe or this Perfect Boiled Corn On The Cob.
Remember my very popular Balsamic Brussel Sprouts and Chicken Quinoa Bowls, that I shared back in 2015? Well, the way I cooked the chicken breast in that recipe, definitely deserves its own post.
This balsamic chicken is so good! Juicy, slightly sweet and garlicky. Ready in no more than 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. I know overcooking chicken breast is not an option, but if for some reason it dries out a little, you have some nice sauce to serve it with.
What ingredients do I need to make this Chicken Breast Recipe?
- boneless skinless chicken breast
- olive oil
- soy sauce
- balsamic vinegar
- garlic
- oregano
- black pepper
- salt (optional, since the soy sauce adds saltiness)
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 chicken breast in the oven?
You can bake the meat on a sheet pan or a Pyrex dish.
- 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.
How long to bake chicken breast in the oven for at 400F ?
It really depends on the thickness of the chicken breast. You’ll need to keep an eye on it. If you have a probe oven thermometer this will be even easier. A thermometer inserted into the thickest park if the meat should read 165 F (75 C).
I baked the chicken breasts in the oven at 400 F for 35 minutes. Mine were a little less than an inch thick. If you pound yours to make them thinner or decide to cut them in half through the middle, they will be ready in less time.
The ideal thickness of chicken breast for baking in 1/2 inch and it generally takes around 25-30 minutes to cook at 400 F.
More Chicken Recipes:
- One Pan Chicken And Rice
- Chicken and Asparagus Foil Packets
- Try this Keto Whole Roasted Chicken from Cassidy’s Craveable Creations.
Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Video
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.
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 have a bag of frozen chicken breasts that say “do not thaw, cook from frozen”. Any idea how much time to add?
Hi Sheryl, I’ve seen these, but never used them in a recipe like this. They will work, but not sure how much time it will take. Maybe keep checking the temperature of the meat, until it reaches 165 F?
I made this recipe tonight, but left the chicken in the oven a bit longer to finish my rice. It was tasty, and any dry parts were saved by using the drippings from the pan as gravy. Thanks for your idea!
I prepared this per instructions, marinating for 15 minutes prior to baking. It was incredibly juicy and flavorful and is definitely a keeper. I am going to try grilling it next time and use in a salad. I accompanied it, this time, with Lemon Butter Orzo with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes.
Many thanks for sharing this recipe,
Glad to hear you liked it!
Great recipe! Just added it to my favorites on Pinterest. Chicken was flavorful & juicy! It’s a keeper!
This was fantastic. I used balsamic glaze instead of vinegar. Chicken was do most and tender we could cut it with a girl. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you!
Great! Glad you liked it 🙂
Ok so my other comment should have said so moist and cut it with a fork. Stupid spell check. I don’t know how it got girl out of girl.
Excellent ! And I put it in the air fryer with a piece of foil under to catch the juice from the marinade . Absolutely excellent !
I’m making this recipe for the first time ! Can you use tenders with it and if so how long do you cook it?
Yes, tenders can be used, cook for shorter time, not sure how long, because it depends on the size.
Can I use pork chops instead?
Yes, it may cook faster, if you use pork.
I had some chicken breast fillets in the refrigerator and was looking for something to do with them! This recipe helped me with the most awesome dishes in a while. Rich and creamy, everyone appreciated me at the table, all thanks to this recipe, right here!