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Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

5.1 from 21 reviews

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts coated with a luscious cherry and balsamic vinegar glaze. The sweet and tangy glaze, enhanced with honey and garlic, creates a glossy, flavorful finish that perfectly complements the savory, herb-seasoned chicken. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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

  1. Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme. This step builds the flavorful foundation for the dish.
  2. Prepare the Cherry Balsamic Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the halved cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices and the mixture reduces to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes. This slow reduction is key for a perfect consistency.
  3. Heat the Pan: While the glaze reduces, heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until properly hot. A well-heated pan ensures a golden crust on the chicken.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot pan. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes on the first side to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.
  5. Apply the Glaze: During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the cherry balsamic glaze generously over the chicken. Allow it to caramelize and become slightly sticky, enhancing flavor and texture.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately, spooning any remaining glaze over the chicken and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a professional finish.

Notes

  • Let the glaze reduce properly until it coats the back of a spoon but still flows freely for the best texture.
  • Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts; always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  • If the glaze becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water to thin it out and restore the desired consistency.
  • Apply the glaze near the end of cooking; adding it too early may cause it to burn rather than caramelize.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry balsamic glazed chicken, balsamic vinegar chicken, cherry chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes