If you’re looking for a deliciously simple yet bursting with flavor dish, the Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy and slightly sweet balsamic glaze, roasted to perfection alongside vibrant, roasted cherry tomatoes that bring a natural pop of color and sweetness to every bite. This recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for weekend dinners. You’ll love how the balance of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and herbs creates a harmonious symphony of taste in each forkful, making this dish a forever favorite in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the depth and character of your Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. From the acidity of the balsamic vinegar that tenderizes, to the natural sweetness of honey and juicy tomatoes, every component works in harmony to deliver a balanced flavor experience.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each): The perfect lean protein base that soaks up all the marinade flavors.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Adds tanginess and a rich, slightly sweet depth to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness for a luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds subtle fruitiness.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Introduces a mild spice and complexity to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant herbal note, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the marinade.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved: Roasted alongside the chicken, they burst with juicy sweetness.
- Chopped parsley for serving: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of green.
How to Make Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to roast the chicken evenly and caramelize the cherry tomatoes, locking in those natural juices and flavors that make the dish truly shine.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then cover them with plastic wrap and give each breast a gentle pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of even thickness. This simple step guarantees an even cook, preventing some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic in a small bowl until everything is perfectly blended. Pour this luscious marinade over the chicken breasts arranged in a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish. Flip each piece to coat thoroughly—this is where the magic starts, as the chicken soaks up all those vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Now, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the dish. As they roast, these little gems wilt and caramelize beautifully, releasing natural sweetness that complements the tangy balsamic chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The key is to check the chicken’s doneness by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, aiming for 165°F (74°C). This will give you juicy, well-cooked chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh herbal touch. Serve it right away while it’s warm, letting those beautiful colors and aromas impress everyone at the table.
How to Serve Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley adds not only a burst of bright green color but also a subtle freshness that elevates the dish’s overall presentation and flavor. You can also consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of decadence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, wholesome sides like garlic mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even a light couscous salad. For a low-carb option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus complement the juicy chicken and sweet tomatoes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the chicken and tomatoes on a large serving platter, drizzle some of the pan juices over the top, and garnish with extra herbs and edible flowers. Serving the chicken sliced with the cherry tomatoes piled on top can create a colorful, rustic look that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and tomatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as the dish rests, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the dish’s splendid texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps preserve the chicken’s moisture and keeps the cherry tomatoes tender and juicy without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add extra flavor and moisture, but adjust the baking time accordingly, usually adding about 10 extra minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the original recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just avoid adding toppings like Parmesan or cream-based sides, and you’ll have a perfectly dairy-free meal.
Can I substitute cherry tomatoes with other types of tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes or small plum tomatoes work well too. They have a similar sweetness and texture that complement the chicken nicely.
What if I don’t have a meat mallet for pounding chicken?
No worries! A rolling pin, heavy skillet, or even the bottom of a glass can work perfectly to even out the chicken breasts for uniform cooking.
How can I make the marinade more intense?
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the ingredients to deeply penetrate the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a heartfelt favorite designed to bring joy and ease to your kitchen. Its blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes combined with the simplicity of preparation makes it an absolute keeper for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes an instant classic on your dinner table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with 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
Description
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic vinegar blend with honey, garlic, and herbs, roasted together with juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a healthy and balanced meal, this recipe delivers juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with a hint of sweetness and savory richness.
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 it reaches the perfect temperature to bake the chicken evenly and lock in the flavors.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Cover each with plastic wrap and gently pound them using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of equal thickness, ensuring even cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish, flipping each piece to coat thoroughly.
- Add Tomatoes: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the baking dish to roast alongside and add natural sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and tomatoes. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to prevent overcooking.
- Cherry tomatoes roast well alongside the chicken, adding sweetness and moisture.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
