Balsamic Bliss Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese To create a delicious balsamic glazed chicken, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The chicken is the star. Use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, the balsamic vinegar adds a rich tang. You only need half a cup. Honey brings sweetness to balance the vinegar; a quarter cup works well. Olive oil, two tablespoons, helps the marinade stick to the chicken. Garlic adds great flavor. Use three cloves, minced. Dried oregano brings an earthy taste to the mix. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For garnishes, fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. A cup of halved cherry tomatoes adds color and flavor. Finally, sprinkle one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a salty finish. These ingredients come together to make a grilled delight you will love to serve! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium bowl. Whisk together these ingredients: - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Make sure everything blends well. This mix is your marinade. Next, take your chicken breasts. Place them in a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken. This helps the flavor soak in. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, two hours is even better. Now, it’s time to cook. Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. After that, take the chicken out of the marinade. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach a safe internal temperature. Look for nice grill marks. If you want more flavor, brush the chicken with some reserved marinade while it cooks. While the chicken grills, you can start the tomatoes. In a small saucepan, drizzle some olive oil. Add a pinch of salt. Add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes. They should start to soften and get juicy. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Now, slice the chicken breasts. Arrange the slices on a platter. Spoon the sautéed tomatoes over the chicken. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, add fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Enjoy your beautiful dish! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For even more taste, try to marinate it for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken time to soak up the balsamic mix. To massage the marinade into the chicken, place the chicken in a resealable bag first. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then seal the bag. Gently squeeze and move the chicken around in the bag. This helps the flavors get into the meat. You can cook the chicken in different ways. If you don't have a grill, bake it in the oven or use a stovetop pan. Baking at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes works well. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Pair balsamic glazed chicken with tasty side dishes. Some great options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Spoon the sautéed cherry tomatoes over the top, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and add fresh basil leaves for color. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours will enhance the flavor significantly. For best results, marinate overnight. Grilling Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated properly. A hot grill will give nice sear marks and keep the chicken juicy. Use of Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish's aroma and flavor profile. Add them during the marination process. Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add a nice sweetness. If you want a sugar-free option, consider using stevia or erythritol. These alternatives work well with the balsamic vinegar. You can also change the herbs and spices. For a different flavor, try thyme or rosemary instead of oregano. You can mix in a bit of paprika for a smoky kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite seasonings. If grilling is not an option, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. This method keeps the chicken juicy. You can also use an air fryer for a quick meal. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for about 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness, and enjoy a crispy outside with a moist inside. To make your dish even better, add seasonal vegetables. Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make great choices. They add color and nutrition to your plate. You can also serve the chicken over grains like quinoa or rice. A fresh salad works well, too. Just toss some greens with a light dressing. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal. To keep your balsamic glazed chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. For best taste, eat the chicken within three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. To maintain flavor and texture, let the chicken cool before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep moisture. When reheating chicken, the best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the chicken moist while it heats. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short intervals of one minute, checking often. This way, you avoid drying it out. Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it’s hot and safe to eat. How long should I marinate the chicken? You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more tasty the chicken becomes. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just remember, it will take longer to cook. You should check the internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. Is balsamic glazed chicken healthy? Yes, balsamic glazed chicken can be a healthy choice. It is packed with protein from the chicken and has a good mix of flavors from the marinade. Using fresh ingredients adds nutrition too. Caloric breakdown per serving Each serving of balsamic glazed chicken has about 300 calories. This includes the chicken, sauce, and tomatoes. Adjust the serving size if you want to manage your calorie intake. What to do if the chicken is dry? If your chicken is dry, try cooking it for less time next time. You can also baste the chicken with some reserved marinade while cooking. This adds moisture and flavor. How to adjust flavors if it’s too sweet or tart? If the dish is too sweet, add a little more salt. A squeeze of lemon juice can balance the sweetness. If it’s too tart, add a touch of honey to mellow the taste. This blog shared a delicious recipe for balsamic glazed chicken. You learned about key ingredients and helpful tips for marinating and grilling. We also discussed storage and reheating methods to keep your dish fresh. You can customize the recipe with variations and serve it with sides to enhance flavors. Enjoy making this meal and impress your guests with a tasty dish they will love. Happy cooking!$

A delicious grilled chicken recipe marinated in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar mixture, served with sautéed cherry tomatoes and garnished with fresh basil.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. For extra flavor, brush the chicken with some of the reserved marinade during cooking.
While the chicken is grilling, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
To serve, slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a platter, spooning the sautéed cherry tomatoes over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for best flavor.

Keyword balsamic, chicken, dinner, easy, grilled