Balsamic Chicken Breasts: A Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
If you are searching for a delightful and straightforward recipe that not only pleases the palate but also brings a comforting aroma to your kitchen, look no further than these Balsamic Chicken Breasts. This recipe combines tender chicken with the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar and savory cheeses, making it a staple for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With minimal prep and a cooking time that ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, this dish has quickly become a favorite in my home, often requested by my husband and our neighbor.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Category | Meat |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 185.5 |
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients, each selected to enhance the flavors of the chicken:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Diced tomatoes | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Romano cheese | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Cooking onion | 1, sliced |
| Butter | To coat baking dish |
| Olive oil | To coat baking dish |
| Balsamic vinegar | To taste |
| Garlic salt | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs | About 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of this dish is essential for those who are health-conscious. Below are the details per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 4.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 122 mg |
| Sodium | 161.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 4.8 g |
| Protein | 27.4 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Balsamic Chicken Breasts, ensuring a delicious outcome:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and helps to develop a lovely crust.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Slice the onion thinly and melt enough butter to coat the bottom of a glass baking dish. Alternatively, you can drizzle some olive oil for a lighter option. The choice between butter and olive oil can influence the flavor, so choose according to your preference.
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Layer the Onions: Spread the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These onions will impart moisture and flavor to the chicken as it bakes.
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Create the Balsamic Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg until well combined. Drain the juice from the diced tomatoes into this bowl, reserving the tomatoes for later. Add balsamic vinegar to the bowl, along with about 1 teaspoon of garlic salt and cheese to your liking. This mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
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Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: On a plate, spread about 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Season them with garlic salt and additional cheese to taste. This will create a deliciously crispy exterior once baked.
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Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the balsamic mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dredge the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish over the layer of onions. Repeat the coating process with the remaining chicken breasts, arranging them neatly in the dish.
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Add the Remaining Mixture: Pour the remaining balsamic mixture around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. This will enhance the flavors as it cooks, creating a savory sauce.
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Top with Tomatoes: Gently cover the chicken breasts with the reserved diced tomatoes. This adds another layer of flavor and moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out during baking.
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Sprinkle Additional Cheese: If desired, sprinkle more cheese on top of the chicken for a gooey, cheesy finish. This step is optional but highly recommended for cheese lovers.
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Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. After this time, you can uncover the dish to allow the chicken to brown slightly while you finish preparing your side dishes, such as rice pilaf and green beans.
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Check for Doneness: While 45 minutes is a general guideline, ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. Given my tendency to overcook, I often find that leaving the chicken in the oven for a bit longer, even if it exceeds this time, results in a moist and tender texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is flavorful and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides, and watch as your family and friends rave about this delightful dish.
Conclusion
With its simple preparation and remarkable flavor profile, these Balsamic Chicken Breasts are destined to become a regular feature in your meal rotation. This dish marries the heartiness of chicken with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, complemented by the richness of cheese, making it a true crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to impress with this easy yet elegant meal that is sure to win hearts at your dinner table.
