Oven-baked chicken with balsamic vinegar marinade

Oven-Baked Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar Marinade

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours (up to 24 hours)
Baking Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Discover a simple and delicious recipe for oven-baked chicken with balsamic vinegar marinade, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish not only impresses with its rich flavors but also with its ease of preparation, making it ideal even for those who do not consider themselves experienced cooks.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of chicken breast (or chicken thighs, depending on preference)
- 100 ml of balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an extra depth of flavor

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), chopped garlic, and rosemary. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add the Dijon mustard.

2. Preparing the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is clean and dry. Cut the chicken breast into smaller pieces if desired, to allow the marinade to penetrate better. If using thighs, you can leave them whole. Place the meat in a large bowl or glass container.

3. Marinating: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 24 hours. Marinating enhances the chicken's flavor and makes it more tender.

4. Preheating the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking the chicken, preheat the oven to 200°C. This is an ideal temperature to achieve juicy and lightly browned chicken.

5. Baking the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish. You can keep the remaining marinade to use as a sauce. Bake the chicken for 40-50 minutes, or until fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 75°C). If you desire a crispier crust, you can turn it to grill for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

6. Serving: After the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. It can be served alongside grilled vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, and the reduced marinade sauce can be poured over for added flavor.

Possible Variations:
- Substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.
- Add oven-roasted vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the dish for a complete and healthy meal.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to customize the flavor.

This balsamic vinegar marinated oven-baked chicken recipe is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for impressing anyone. With a quick preparation time and a marinade that can be adapted to your liking, I assure you that each bite will be an explosion of flavors!