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)
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
