Healthy Balsamic Chicken Breast In The Oven

If you love chicken and healthy eating, then this recipe is for you. It’s delicious, healthy and nutritious and it will make you feel like you’re back in Italy. Instead of eating a Caprese Salad, or a balsamic dip,  you’ll be eating the same flavours on your healthy protein.

 

What does vinegar do to chicken breast?

Vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar, acts as a marinade to tenderize chicken breast. The acid in vinegar helps to break down the protein fibers in the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.

In this recipe, we are not marinating our chicken breast with Balsamic Vinegar, although you can! Instead, we are drizzling it on top.

 

What is the secret to tender chicken breast?

Aside from marinating in an acidic mixture like vinegar, another secret to tender chicken breast is to cook it just until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and not any longer. Overcooking chicken breast can make it dry and tough. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.

 

How long should I put chicken breast in the oven?

Baking time for chicken breast in the oven depends on the size and thickness of the breast. Generally, a boneless, skinless chicken breast requires about 20-25 minutes in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.

 

Should you cover chicken breast when baking in oven?

Covering the chicken breast with foil when baking can help to keep it moist. However, if you want a browned, slightly crispy exterior, you might want to remove the foil cover for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

I don’t cover my chicken breast. Do you?

 

How do you cook chicken breast in the oven so it doesn’t dry?

To prevent chicken breast from drying out in the oven, marinate it before baking, and avoid overcooking. Basting the chicken with its juices a few times during cooking can also help keep it moist.

I have never had this issue and I don’t cover chicken breast. My trick is to bake it at the lower level of the oven, so it cooks evenly rather than at the top. You can move it to the top for the last 5 minutes.

 

Do you need to flip chicken breast in the oven?

Not necessarily. Flipping chicken breast in the oven can help it cook more evenly, but it’s not required, especially if you’re cooking it at a steady temperature and for the appropriate amount of time.

I personally like to flip chicken breast, and that’s what we will be doing in this recipe, but you can slip that, if you prefer to.

 

What to serve with balsamic chicken?

Balsamic chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. You could serve it with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, over a bed of fresh salad greens, or with a starch like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lighter meal, consider serving it alongside a caprese salad or grilled asparagus.

This recipe can be enjoyed as a complete meal, especially if you are after a light healthy lunch or dinner. You could have some fruit or yogurt as a dessert.

 

Balsamic Chicken Breast In The Oven Recipe

I think I have answered most balsamic chicken breast questions. So we can proceed with making the recipe.

This is a quick one you can make on a weekday and enjoy when you are short on time.

Want More Italian Chicken Recipes?

We have pages and pages of delicious chicken recipes on the blog, that are inspired from Italy’s flavours and traditional recipes. Go explore them here.