If you are looking for a dish that combines simplicity with impressive flavor, the Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. This beautiful recipe effortlessly marries tender, juicy chicken breasts with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar and honey, perfectly complemented by the vibrant burst of roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s a meal that feels elegant yet is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your weekly favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while the tomatoes add color and natural sweetness.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each): The star of the dish, these ensure a lean and tender base for the marinade.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy depth that beautifully balances the sweetness from honey.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes during baking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade bind and adds healthy fat for a luscious texture.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle pungency and complexity to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds an herby warmth that complements the vinegar and tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat to balance the dish.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with irresistible savory aromatics.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved: Roast alongside the chicken, bursting with juicy sweetness and a hint of acidity.
- Chopped parsley for serving: Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for baking the chicken evenly and caramelizing the balsamic marinade, giving the chicken that irresistible glaze and ensuring the cherry tomatoes roast beautifully alongside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound each piece to an even thickness. This step is absolute gold for ensuring every bite cooks evenly juicy and tender without drying out.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk until everything is well blended, creating a marinade that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor that will soak beautifully into the chicken.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Place your prepared chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, flipping each breast carefully to coat thoroughly. This step seals in moisture and infuses the meat with those tantalizing balsamic notes.
Step 5: Add the Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish. As they roast, these tomatoes will soften and release their natural juices, adding a lovely sweet-tart contrast and vibrant pop of color right on your plate.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. To be sure the chicken is cooked just right, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herbal note and a beautiful finish. Your Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed—simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds brightness and a pleasing contrast to the rich balsamic flavor. For a little more flair, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the herbaceous notes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta make a perfect comfort-food match. If you prefer something lighter, roasted or steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette will balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve the chicken and roasted tomatoes atop a bed of garlic-infused quinoa or fluffy couscous. Alternatively, arrange slices of the chicken over a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful tomatoes and herb sprigs for a casual, inviting feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the tomatoes alongside the chicken to preserve all those lovely baked juices.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place the cooled chicken and tomatoes into a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and retain the dish’s original flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This method helps maintain the chicken’s moisture and avoids the rubbery texture that can come from microwaving. You can also gently reheat on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things juicy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
You can use bone-in breasts, but you’ll need to increase the baking time and check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken may not marinate as thoroughly as boneless.
Is it possible to skip the honey in this recipe?
Honey adds sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. If you prefer, you can substitute with maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar for a similar effect.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours or even overnight before baking, which actually enhances the flavor. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon, use yellow mustard or even a small amount of prepared horseradish for that subtle tang, but Dijon really does add the best creamy sharpness to this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) means it is fully cooked. The juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm but still tender.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a wonderful example of how fresh, simple ingredients can come together in the most delicious way. It’s hearty but light, flavorful yet uncomplicated, and perfect for any night of the week or small gatherings with friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken dinner that always impresses!
Print
Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy balsamic honey glaze, baked with sweet cherry tomatoes, and garnished with fresh parsley to provide a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
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
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the heat is ready for even cooking and to lock in the flavors of the chicken and tomatoes.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Place each breast between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until the thickness is uniform. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until blended. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish, flipping each piece to coat well.
- Add Tomatoes: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the baking dish to roast alongside and infuse natural sweetness into the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check; the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before baking if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
