If you’re searching for a dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly comforting, the Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This recipe pairs tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious balsamic marinade and the vibrant burst of roasted cherry tomatoes, resulting in a beautiful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s one of those meals that looks stunning on the plate but comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties where you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from creating the perfect marinade to enhancing the texture and visual appeal. These simple, accessible components combine to make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color.
- Chicken breasts (4 boneless, skinless, 6 ounces each): Provides a lean, tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious marinade juices.
- Balsamic vinegar (¼ cup): Adds a rich, tangy sweetness that’s the heart of the marinade’s flavor profile.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances the acidity of balsamic with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while baking.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Brings a gentle kick and depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Provides earthiness and an herbal hint complementing the other ingredients.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Imparts aromatic warmth and savory notes.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints, halved): Roast alongside the chicken to offer juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chopped parsley (for serving): Adds freshness and a pop of green, elevating the final presentation.
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 high heat allows the chicken to bake evenly and quickly, helping it lock in all those delicious flavors while the cherry tomatoes caramelize beautifully alongside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This simple step ensures a better sear and helps the marinade stick. Next, cover each breast with plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Equal thickness allows the chicken to cook uniformly, preventing any parts from drying out.
Step 3: Mix and Marinate
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until fully combined. Pour this vibrant marinade over the chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish, making sure each piece gets a thorough coating on all sides. This marinade is the magic behind the flavor depth of the Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. These tomatoes will roast alongside the chicken, bursting with sweetness and juiciness as they cook, perfectly complementing the savory balsamic glaze.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), signaling that it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is baked to juicy perfection, remove it from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. This final touch adds freshness, a burst of color, and brightness that perfectly balances the rich balsamic flavors.
How to Serve Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish for this recipe, but you can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few thin slices of lemon zest to brighten up the dish even more. A drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar reduction on top can amp up the tangy sweetness if you want to impress further.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t overshadow the chicken’s bold flavors. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy quinoa, or a light mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette to keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, plate the chicken slices alongside the roasted cherry tomatoes and drizzle some of the pan juices over everything. Serving the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or buttered pasta adds an extra layer of comfort and elegance, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as they sit, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and tomatoes for up to 2 months. Make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid harsh microwaving which can dry out the chicken and change the texture of the tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no modifications are necessary, making it a great option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This can save time on the day you’re cooking and allows the flavors to meld even more.
What type of balsamic vinegar is best?
Choose a good quality aged balsamic vinegar for the richest flavor. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but steered clear of overly sweetened versions for the best balance.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Veggies like sliced bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini can be added to the baking dish for extra color and nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making a meal that feels both wholesome and special, and the Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe delivers just that. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to take center stage at any dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the harmonious blend of balsamic tang, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken in every bite.
Print
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic glaze with honey, garlic, and herbs, baked alongside sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the richness of balsamic vinegar with the natural sweetness of honey and tomatoes for a balanced, savory meal.
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 breast with plastic wrap and gently pound them using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of equal thickness to ensure 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 until well combined. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts placed 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, allowing them to roast alongside and add natural sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken to an even thickness to prevent uneven cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
