The Perfect Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
This Perfect Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts pan-cooked to golden perfection and finished with a luscious cherry and balsamic vinegar glaze. The rich, glossy sauce is sweetened with honey, infused with garlic and thyme, and perfectly caramelized, combining French pan sauce reduction techniques with Italian balsamic glaze traditions. Ideal for an elegant dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is packed with lean protein and antioxidant-rich cherries, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cherry Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced fine
Garnish
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme. This foundational step ensures the chicken is flavorful before cooking.
- Prepare the Cherry Balsamic Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the halved cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally as you cook the mixture until the cherries soften and release their juices. Continue reducing the sauce until it thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Take your time for the best consistency.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is properly hot. This is essential for creating a golden, crispy crust on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on the first side to develop a crust. Flip the chicken and cook an additional 6-7 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Glaze the Chicken: During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, generously brush the cherry balsamic glaze onto the chicken. Allow it to caramelize and become slightly sticky, enhancing flavor and appearance.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 3 minutes to retain juices. Serve immediately, spooning any remaining glaze over the chicken and garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for a professional touch.
Notes
- Let the glaze reduce properly; it should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely for easy brushing.
- Chicken breasts may vary in thickness and cooking time; rely on a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- If the glaze becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water to thin it to the desired consistency.
- Apply the glaze in the final minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- Store leftover chicken and glaze separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently with a splash of water and warm the glaze before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
- Serve with sides like creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, mixed greens, roasted asparagus with wild rice, or pasta for varied meal options.
- Variations include adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, using dried cranberries in place of cherries, adding fresh basil before serving, or adjusting honey and garlic for kid-friendly versions.
Keywords: Cherry Balsamic Chicken, Balsamic Glaze, Pan-Seared Chicken Breast, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Cherry Sauce Chicken
