Total Time:45 minutes (plus marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours)
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Classic Chicken Dishes
Method:Bake
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Whisk together until honey dissolves completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil. Place marinated chicken in prepared dish, spaced evenly. Pour remaining marinade over chicken.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra glaze, baste with pan juices after 12-15 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges with caramelized spots.
Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice into thick pieces, arrange on serving platter, and drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight for deepest flavor penetration. Minimum 30 minutes works in a pinch.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness at 165°F internal temperature. Don’t skip the resting period to keep chicken juicy.
High-quality balsamic vinegar makes a noticeable difference in final flavor. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.