This Heart Healthy Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful, heart-healthy air fryer recipes. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, then air-fried to perfection with minimal oil.
Don't have an air fryer? You can easily make this Balsamic Chicken in your oven (see instructions below)!
Packed with lean protein and bold flavors, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you serve it with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or whole-grain pasta, it’s a perfectly satisfying meal for busy weeknights and is a healthy dinner option. This guide includes tips on keeping your chicken perfectly juicy and tender every time.
This recipe is designed to be heart-healthy by combining several key elements. It uses lean chicken breast, a flavorful marinade made with unsaturated olive oil instead of butter, and the air frying method, which requires minimal added fat to achieve a delicious, tender result. The flavor comes from balsamic vinegar, garlic, and spices rather than excess salt, keeping the sodium content exceptionally low.
Cook 4-ounce butterflied chicken breasts at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
The key is to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, which adds moisture and flavor. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation, and use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Yes, you can. Allow any excess marinade to drip off before placing the chicken in the basket to prevent it from steaming instead of crisping. This recipe is designed specifically for this method.
Chicken should always be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to ensure it's fully cooked.
Expand your collection of easy and delicious meals with more of our favorite heart-healthy air fryer recipes. From flaky salmon to juicy pork chops, these simple dishes use minimal oil to deliver incredible flavor for any night of the week.
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Recipe yields 4 servings
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Reserve about a ¼ cup of marinade in a separate bowl. Place the chicken and the remainder of the marinade in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss to coat completely. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly coat air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange marinated chicken in the prepared air fryer basket and lightly spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 18 minutes, flipping the chicken over halfway through.
Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, garnish with parsley and enjoy!
If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake this chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They may require a slightly longer cooking time of 20-22 minutes to reach 165°F.
Toss 1-inch chunks of bell peppers and red onion with a little olive oil and add them to the air fryer basket during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
While balsamic provides the classic flavor, you can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different tangy profile.