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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional) To make balsamic glazed chicken, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The star of the dish is the chicken. I always choose boneless and skinless breasts for tenderness. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy flavor, while honey gives it a sweet touch. The garlic and Dijon mustard create depth in taste. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper! It makes a big difference. Olive oil is essential for cooking the chicken evenly. For a pop of color and flavor, add fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes. You can also use thyme for more aroma. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a juicy and flavorful delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix the glaze ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste This mix creates a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze. Once you combine everything, set the glaze aside while you cook the chicken. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. While the oil heats, season your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is key for flavor. When the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. Make sure the chicken is cooked through for safety. After the chicken is done, lower the heat to medium. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Add the optional cherry tomatoes, halved, and fresh thyme if you like. Stir gently to coat everything in the glaze. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps thicken the glaze. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even coating. Once the glaze thickens, remove the skillet from heat. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Marinating chicken makes it taste amazing. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, try to marinate for 2 hours. You can use the glaze as a marinade. Add a bit of olive oil and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for more flavor. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it. Cook until it’s just done, then let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Balsamic glazed chicken pairs well with many sides. Try it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes. This makes the dish look colorful and appetizing. Drizzle extra glaze over the chicken for more flavor and style. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with maple syrup for a different taste. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs significantly enhance the dish's flavor, so opt for fresh over dried whenever possible. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of balsamic glazed chicken easily. Try using maple syrup instead of honey. This swap gives a deeper, richer flavor. It also adds a hint of caramel that works well with the balsamic. Adding herbs and spices can change the dish too. Fresh thyme and rosemary pair nicely with balsamic. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Experimenting with these flavors keeps the dish exciting. You have options when cooking balsamic glazed chicken. Grilling gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor. It adds a nice char that enhances the taste. Just be sure to watch the time to avoid dryness. Skillet cooking is quick and easy. It helps the chicken absorb the glaze better. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the glaze over it. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is done. If you need gluten-free options, you can still enjoy this dish. The ingredients, like balsamic vinegar and honey, are generally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure. For a low-sugar option, use a sugar substitute in place of honey. You can also reduce the amount of glaze if you want. This way, you can enjoy your meal without worry. Nutrition tips are important too. Pair this dish with veggies or a salad for balance. Adding whole grains can boost fiber and make it a complete meal. To keep your balsamic glazed chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Storing leftovers in the fridge: Place the chicken in an airtight container. It stays good for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. - Freezing options for long-term storage: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To enjoy your chicken again, reheat it correctly: - Best methods for reheating without drying out: Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover it with a lid. You can also use the microwave on medium power for a few minutes. - Serving suggestions for reheated chicken: Serve it over rice or salad. You can add fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance the flavor. You can serve balsamic glazed chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. - Mashed potatoes or rice can soak up the glaze and make a filling meal. - Green salads with fresh greens and a light dressing balance the dish well. - For appetizers, try bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms to start your meal. - For dessert, consider fruit salad or chocolate mousse for a sweet finish. Balsamic glazed chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. Look for these signs of spoilage: - Unpleasant smell or sour odor. - Change in color or texture, like sliminess. - Any mold on the surface. If you see any of these, throw it away. Yes! You can use other meats with the balsamic glaze. Here are some tasty options: - Pork chops work well and cook in a similar time. - Turkey cutlets can be a leaner choice and absorb the flavors nicely. - For a different taste, try tofu for a plant-based option. Adjust the cooking times slightly depending on the thickness of the meat. Always check for doneness to keep your meal safe and delicious. In this article, we explored how to make balsamic glazed chicken. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. We also discussed variations and storage techniques. Remember, marinating chicken adds flavor, and checking for doneness ensures it's juicy. Enjoy serving your dish with sides that complement it well. With these tips, you can create a meal that impresses everyone. Cook confidently and enjoy your delicious creation!

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish glazed with balsamic vinegar and honey, perfect for any meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
  • to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the glaze. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium and pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and thyme (if using) to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the chicken and tomatoes in the glaze.
  • Allow the glaze to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it slightly thickens, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even coating.
  • Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil and drizzle remaining glaze for added flavor.
Keyword balsamic, chicken, dinner, glazed