Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
This Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs. Roasted alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, this easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
Marinade
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and tomatoes.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Arrange them in a 9x13-inch oven-safe baking dish.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until thoroughly combined. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts and turn each piece to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Add Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the chicken and tomatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and faster.
- You can substitute dried basil with fresh basil if preferred; add fresh basil after baking to preserve its flavor.
- Leftover balsamic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
