balsamic oven baked chicken

i wasn't even going to post this recipe because i thought it would just be so-so and there are so many other good recipes i want to post.  but we had it for dinner tonight and WOW!  ever flavourful!  i especially loved how quick it was to prepare.  i'm starting a collection of these "fix it and forget it" recipes that take very little time to get into the oven but taste fantastic.  they're perfect for a busy day or when i'm too tired to spend much time cooking, like today.

i'd make a few changes next time (which i've noted below), but it turned out perfectly.  i served it with brown basmati rice (love) and broccoli that had been steamed into a complete bland submission (just the way the husband likes it).


Balsamic Oven Baked Chicken - serves 4
prep time: 5 mins   cook time: 45 mins
adapted from: healthy quick meals

2 lbs/1 kg chicken pieces - i used 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil - i only used one and next time i'd omit it altogether
1 cup apple juice
1 clove garlic, pressed - or minced, if you're press-less like me
1 tsp oregano
salt - omitted
pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - if you are really being fat and sodium conscious, omit this.  but if you can afford it, it's so good and browns up so nicely!
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Preheat the oven to 450F/230C.
Place the chicken in a baking dish.  Sprinkle with olive oil, apple juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.  Bake for 45 - 60 minutes, until no longer pink inside (45 minutes was perfect).
Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and serve immediately (the leftover juice in the pan tastes great on rice!).


there you go - quick and easy chicken with fantastic flavour.  let me know how you like it.

what's your best "fix it and forget it" recipe?