The Perfect Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken (That Makes Weeknight Dinners Feel Fancy!) Recipe
The Perfect Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is an elegant yet simple weeknight dinner that combines juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with a glossy, sweet-tart cherry and balsamic glaze. This recipe elevates ordinary chicken using a classic reduction technique, creating a flavorful and visually stunning dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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 to build a strong flavor base.
- Prepare the Cherry Balsamic Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine halved cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture reduces to a glossy glaze, about 8-10 minutes. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
- Heat the Pan: While the glaze reduces, heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is properly hot to ensure a golden crust on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze the Chicken: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, generously brush the cherry balsamic glaze onto the chicken, allowing it to caramelize and become slightly sticky.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately, spooning any leftover glaze over the chicken and garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Ensure the glaze reduces properly so it coats the back of a spoon without being too thick or too thin.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken as cooking times may vary.
- If the glaze becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water to loosen it.
- Apply the glaze near the end of cooking to avoid burning and achieve caramelization.
- Store leftover chicken and glaze separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat chicken gently in a pan with a splash of water; warm the glaze separately before serving again—avoid microwaving glazed chicken to prevent a rubbery coating.
Keywords: cherry balsamic chicken, glazed chicken breast, weeknight dinner, balsamic vinegar glaze, cherry sauce, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner
