Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a dish that beautifully marries tender chicken breasts with a rich, fruity glaze that bursts with flavor. Imagine the tangy sweetness of cherries and balsamic vinegar wrapping around perfectly cooked chicken—it’s a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing. This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen, whether I’m whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests during a casual gathering. Its elegance doesn’t compromise simplicity; you’ll find it can be accomplished in under an hour.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the most enticing aspects of this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is how effortlessly it comes together. It’s a show-stopping meal that feels fancy yet comes together without fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special date night, or even when it’s your turn to host friends for a casual gathering, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Just think: tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy glaze that not only delights the palate but also captivates the eyes.
"The cherry balsamic sauce is an absolute game changer! My family can’t stop raving about it!" – A happy home cook
The balance of sweet and tangy notes in the glaze pairs brilliantly with the savory chicken, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s relatively budget-friendly as chicken breasts are often on sale, and fresh or frozen cherries can fit almost any grocery budget.
How this recipe comes together
Making Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken comes down to a few key steps. First, we season the chicken to create a flavor base that permeates the meat. Then, we create the glaze by simmering cherries with balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic until it reduces to a luscious, thick consistency. While the glaze works its magic, the chicken gets its sear in a hot pan, creating that coveted golden crust. Finally, we bring it all together by brushing the glaze over the chicken just before serving.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for a successful dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar (don’t skimp here)
- 2 tablespoons honey (the secret to that glossy finish)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced fine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (better than fresh for this recipe)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish (makes it look professional)
Feel free to substitute the cherries with other fruits like blueberries or even peaches when in season, but keep the balsamic vinegar as your essential flavor anchor.
Directions to follow
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Season the chicken breasts: Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides of the chicken. This is your opportunity to build foundational flavor.
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Prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the halved cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The goal here is to coax the cherries into releasing their juices and reducing the mixture to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Remember—don’t rush this step!
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Cook the chicken: While the glaze thickens, heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get hot, as this is crucial for developing a golden crust. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Glaze the chicken: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the cherry balsamic glaze generously over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
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Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately with any remaining glaze drizzled over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is endlessly adaptable in how you serve it. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- Over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes paired with steamed green beans to soak up that delicious glaze.
- On top of mixed greens with the glaze acting as a delightful dressing for a fresh salad.
- With roasted asparagus and wild rice pilaf for a beautiful, balanced plate.
How to store & freeze
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap each piece of chicken in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag, where it can last for up to 3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate your Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken, consider these pro tips:
- Don’t rush the glaze: Let it reduce properly; it should coat the back of a spoon but be free-flowing.
- Trust your thermometer: Chicken breasts can vary in size; rely on a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Adjust the glaze: If your glaze thickens too much, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water to reach your desired consistency.
- Be patient with the glaze: Add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent burning.
Creative twists
For those wanting to explore variations, consider these creative twists on the classic:
- Swap the chicken for pork chops or tofu for a different protein base.
- Add a splash of red wine vinegar to the glaze for added depth.
- Try sprinkling chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds over the finished dish for added crunch.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is around 15 minutes, while cooking will take another 20-25 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! If fresh cherries are out of season, thawed frozen cherries work perfectly to create the glaze.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as no flour or breading is involved. Just ensure that the balsamic vinegar you select is certified gluten-free.
Savor the symphony of flavors and the delightful experience of preparing Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken; it’s a dish that promises to impress every time.
Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved Substitute with blueberries or peaches if desired.
- 1/4 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar Don't skimp on quality.
- 2 tablespoons honey Helps achieve a glossy finish.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced fine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Dried thyme is preferred over fresh.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish Adds a professional touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Glaze Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the halved cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and allow the mixture to reduce to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on one side.
- Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Glazing Chicken
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the cherry balsamic glaze generously over the chicken.
Serving
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately with any remaining glaze drizzled over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
