Balsamic Chicken Breast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Marinate
15 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
311 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Balsamic Chicken Breast
Description
The recipe begins by marinating chicken breasts in a balanced mixture including olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, aged balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The marinade helps infuse the meat with savory umami and tangy flavors. The chicken can be cooked using two methods: baking or grilling. For baking, breasts are gently pounded to about ½-inch thickness, placed on a greased dish, and baked at 400°F for 35 minutes or until a food thermometer reads 165°F. For grilling, preheat the grill and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, also until fully cooked internally.
This method yields juicy chicken with a slightly caramelized exterior from the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The garlic and oregano contribute aromatic herb notes, complementing the mildly salty soy sauce. Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking and quicker preparation.
The dish fits well with a variety of sides from light salads to heartier options like potatoes or rice. The marinade quantities suit two average-sized chicken breasts, approximately 6 ounces each.
To ease cleanup, lining baking sheets with foil or parchment and spraying surfaces with oil is advised. Checking doneness with a meat thermometer is recommended for safety and optimal texture. Marinating for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to penetrate the meat.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar aged
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in a Ziploc bag. Add in olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Seal the bag and gently press the marinade around the chicken to combine and evenly coat the chicken.
- Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
For Baking:
- Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a baking dish with some oil.
- Gently pound the chicken breast with the flat side of a meat mallet to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Place the chicken breast into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165F.
For Grilling:
- Preheat the grill for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken breast onto the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165F.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for better flavor absorption.
- Flatten chicken breasts gently under plastic wrap to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking without damaging the meat.
- Use a preheated oven at 400°F or a preheated grill for best results.
- Line baking dishes or sheet pans with foil or parchment and grease lightly to simplify cleanup.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F internally.
- Serve with salads for a lighter meal or potatoes and rice for something more substantial.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 311 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 311kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 936mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 654mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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