Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Chicken Breasts in Raspberry Marinade! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy raspberry goodness that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a gourmet journey that combines simplicity with restaurant-quality flavor, guaranteed to impress your family and wow your dinner guests.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup raspberry vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring even marinade absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together raspberry vinaigrette, honey, and olive oil until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in a shallow marinating dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the raspberry marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is completely coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve remaining marinade.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, creating a nice caramelized exterior.
- Pour reserved marinade over chicken and transfer skillet to preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), checking with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh raspberries or herbs.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: For the most intense flavor, let the chicken marinate for the full 2-4 hours. The longer it sits, the more the raspberry vinaigrette will tenderize and infuse the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Searing Secrets: Get a perfect golden-brown crust by ensuring your skillet is hot before adding the chicken and avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Meat Thermometer is Your Friend: Always use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 165°F internal temperature to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Garnish Options: Elevate the dish with fresh raspberries, chopped herbs like basil or thyme, or a light sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper for extra visual and flavor appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 438kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 51g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 138mg
