Looking for a healthy and satisfying lunch option? Look no further than this delicious Honey Balsamic Chicken. At just 450 calories per serving, it's the perfect option for anyone looking to keep their calorie intake in check.
In addition to being low in calories, this dish is also packed full of nutrients. It's a great source of protein, iron, and vitamin C, making it a great option for anyone looking to support their overall health and wellbeing.
In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about making this delicious and nutritious meal, from the ingredients you'll need to the health benefits you can expect to enjoy.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Honey Balsamic Chicken, you'll need a few simple ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Honey Balsamic Chicken:
- calories: 450
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
Cooking Time
Making Honey Balsamic Chicken is quick and easy, with a cooking time of just 20-25 minutes. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your Honey Balsamic Chicken? Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- A side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers
- Brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes
Health Benefits of Honey Balsamic Chicken
Not only is Honey Balsamic Chicken a delicious and satisfying lunch option, but it's also packed full of health benefits. Some of the key benefits of this dish include:
- Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which can help support muscle growth, repair, and maintenance.
- Vitamins and minerals: This dish contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which are all important for overall health and wellbeing.
- Low in calories: With just 450 calories per serving, Honey Balsamic Chicken is a great option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight.
- Heart healthy: The olive oil in this recipe is a good source of heart-healthy fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Flavorful Marinade
One of the key elements that makes Honey Balsamic Chicken so delicious is the flavorful marinade. Here's what you need to know about the marinade used in this recipe:
- Balsamic vinegar: This flavorful vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.
- Honey: With its natural sweetness, honey is the perfect complement to the tangy balsamic vinegar.
- Olive oil: This heart-healthy oil helps to balance out the flavors of the vinegar and honey, while also keeping the chicken moist and tender.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Chicken
Ready to start cooking? Here's a step-by-step guide to making Honey Balsamic Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Meal Prep Tips
Want to make meal prep a breeze? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Make a big batch of Honey Balsamic Chicken at the beginning of the week and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will make it easy to grab a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Cut up any vegetables or sides you plan to serve with the chicken ahead of time. This will save you time and help make meal prep feel less overwhelming.
- Invest in a reliable food scale to help you accurately portion out your meals. This can help you stay on track with your calorie intake and avoid overeating.
Variations of Honey Balsamic Chicken
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
- Add some chopped herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the marinade for an extra burst of flavor.
- Try using different types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for a slightly different flavor profile.
Other Chicken Recipes to Try
Love chicken? Here are a few other recipes to put on your must-try list:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Healthy Chicken Fried Rice
5 FAQ About Honey Balsamic Chicken (Lunch)
1. How Many calories are in One Serving of Honey Balsamic Chicken?
One serving of Honey Balsamic Chicken (Lunch) contains 450 calories.
2. Is Honey Balsamic Chicken a Healthy Lunch Option?
While Honey Balsamic Chicken contains some healthy protein and vegetables, the dish may be higher in calories due to the honey and balsamic glaze. It can still be a good lunch option when paired with a healthy side, such as a salad or roasted vegetables.
3. What are the Ingredients in Honey Balsamic Chicken?
The ingredients in Honey Balsamic Chicken typically include chicken breast, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for additional herbs and spices.
4. How is Honey Balsamic Chicken Prepared?
Typically, the chicken is marinated in a combination of honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper for several hours before being grilled or baked in the oven. The marinade is then used to create a glaze for the chicken.
5. What are Some Variations of Honey Balsamic Chicken?
There are many variations of honey balsamic chicken, including adding different herbs and spices to the marinade, using different types of vinegar or sweeteners, or adding other ingredients such as vegetables or fruit. Some recipes also use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks.