Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
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
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and tomatoes.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of even thickness, ensuring even cooking. Arrange the flattened chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the 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, flipping them over to coat both sides well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours to absorb maximum flavor.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the chicken in the baking dish, allowing them to roast alongside the chicken and develop their sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C), signalling the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note, and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- For best results, do not marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours to avoid breakdown of texture.
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- You can substitute dried basil with fresh basil if preferred—add fresh basil after baking to preserve its flavor.
- Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus up to 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat