Sweet Tangy Balsamic Chicken (Printable)

Juicy chicken glazed with a sweet-tangy balsamic reduction, finished with creamy goat cheese and fresh basil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Marinade & Glaze

02 - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
03 - 2 tablespoons honey
04 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings

09 - 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
10 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - Extra balsamic reduction or glaze
12 - Freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them, turning to coat evenly. Allow to sit for 10 minutes for enhanced flavor absorption.
04 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, basting once with pan juices halfway through cooking.
05 - Remove the dish from the oven and scatter crumbled goat cheese over each chicken breast. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese softens.
06 - Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon pan sauce over each portion, and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh basil.
07 - Finish with an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze and a crack of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The balsamic honey glaze caramelizes in the oven and creates a sauce you will want to drizzle on everything.
  • Goat cheese melting over hot chicken feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight.
  • It is naturally gluten free and low carb without tasting like you gave anything up.
02 -
  • Do not skip the basting step because that is what builds the lacquered, sticky exterior that makes this dish sing.
  • Let the chicken rest for two minutes after adding the cheese so it does not slide right off when you plate it.
03 -
  • A store bought balsamic reduction drizzled over the finished plate takes this from weeknight dinner to dinner party centerpiece with zero extra effort.
  • Pound the chicken to an even half inch thickness before marinating and every piece will cook perfectly at the same rate.

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