Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic, Herbs, and Balsamic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium optional); 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Description

A flavorful and tender chicken breast recipe that is seared to golden perfection on the stovetop and finished in the oven for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results. Enhanced with garlic, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings & Marinade

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry on a cutting board. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Rub the seasoning evenly over each piece for full flavor coverage.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the chicken. Allow the mixture to bubble gently to meld the flavors together.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with chicken and sauce to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least five minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with the flavorful pan sauce poured over.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
The internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures safe consumption of chicken.
Resting the chicken after baking is essential to keep it juicy.
This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.