If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, then you have to try this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful way to elevate simple chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from fresh cherries, rich balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, locking in moisture while creating a glossy, flavorful coating that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a burst of color and a harmony of tastes that’s truly unforgettable.

Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the juicy cherries adding a fruity punch, to the balsamic vinegar’s acidity brightening the flavors, and the honey providing a subtle sweetness that brings it all together.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that soaks up the glaze beautifully.
1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries: These bring a natural sweetness and tartness, essential for that signature cherry glaze.
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds depth with its rich, tangy notes that balance the cherries’ sweetness.
2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the glaze’s caramelization and flavor complexity.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection and adding subtle richness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a wonderful aromatic kick that complements the fruitiness of the cherries.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element of the dish.
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): A fragrant garnish that adds an herbaceous finishing touch.

How to Make Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help develop that irresistible caramelized exterior on the chicken once it bakes with the glaze. While the oven warms up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Searing the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side will lock in juices and create a beautiful golden crust, which adds great texture and deeper flavor once baked.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Cherry Mixture

Remove the seared chicken temporarily and toss minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant—before adding the cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for around 5 minutes until it thickens slightly into a sticky, glossy glaze.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the cherry glaze over the top generously. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and ensures your chicken reaches a juicy, safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This resting time seals the juices inside. Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, adding both a pop of color and a herby aroma that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.

How to Serve Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh thyme is a classic garnish that complements the balsamic and cherry notes perfectly, but you can also sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds for crunch or a few whole cherries on top to echo the main ingredient visually and texturally. A little cracked black pepper adds a pleasing bite and contrast.

Side Dishes

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, which absorb the rich sauce beautifully. Roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provide a fresh, vibrant balance to the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or even wild rice. Drizzle extra glaze on the plate for a restaurant-quality finish and scatter fresh herbs and a few edible flowers for a stunning presentation. This dish is just as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and glaze together by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth, covering it to keep moisture in. Warm gently until heated through, basting with extra glaze to keep the flavors fresh and the texture juicy. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess juice to avoid diluting the glaze.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping because it stores beautifully and reheats without losing flavor, making weekday dinners a breeze.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar with a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to mimic the sweetness and acidity, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients or sauces, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe is truly a gem that elevates simple ingredients into something spectacular. It’s bursting with flavor, visually stunning, and surprisingly easy to make. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to add a fresh, fruity twist to their dinner rotation. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dishes too.

Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 85 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a luscious cherry and balsamic vinegar glaze. Enhanced by the sweetness of honey and the depth of garlic, this dish is finished in the oven for tender, flavorful results—perfect for a sophisticated yet easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
Remove Chicken: Take the seared chicken out of the skillet and set it aside temporarily.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds or until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Cook Cherry Glaze: Add cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey to the skillet. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
Combine Chicken and Glaze: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cherry glaze over the top to coat them well.
Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and serve the chicken warm with the cherry glaze spooned over.

Notes

You can use fresh or frozen cherries; if frozen, thaw before using.
To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken and glaze to a baking dish for baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American