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Balsamic Glazed Chicken Simple and Flavorful Dish

by on November 6, 2024

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Looking for a dish that is both simple and bursting with flavor? Balsamic Glazed Chicken is your answer! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich balsamic glaze that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, you’ll love how quick and tasty this meal is. Join me as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this dish shine on your plate!

To make balsamic glazed chicken, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional) These ingredients create a sweet and tangy glaze. The chicken absorbs the rich flavors, making each bite delicious. The balsamic vinegar adds a unique taste that pairs well with honey and garlic. Using fresh basil and tomatoes can elevate the dish’s look and flavor. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy the creative process as you prepare this simple yet flavorful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by making the balsamic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - A pinch of salt and pepper Mix it well until everything blends smoothly. Set this aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. While the oil heats, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet. If you want, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Gently stir to coat the chicken and tomatoes in the glaze. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken. Turn the chicken occasionally to coat it well. After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. To get juicy chicken, start with even thickness. You can pound the chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and tender. For a rich glaze, let it simmer longer. Once you pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, keep the heat on medium. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. This helps the glaze thicken and cling to the chicken. If you want it thicker, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. This will give your glaze a nice, glossy finish. For a stunning plate, use a large white platter. Place the glazed chicken in the center. Scatter fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes around it. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken. This makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. The colors will pop and impress your guests. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the dish's overall taste. Whenever possible, opt for fresh basil and thyme instead of dried. Watch the Glaze: Keep an eye on the balsamic glaze as it thickens; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the glaze. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Try using pork or turkey. Both cook well with the balsamic glaze. If you prefer fish, salmon is a great choice. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. For a twist, use shrimp. They cook quickly and soak up the glaze nicely. Adding herbs can change the flavor profile. Fresh rosemary gives a woodsy taste. Oregano adds a nice Italian flair. You can also use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. Each herb or spice brings its own unique taste. If you want a vegetarian dish, use portobello mushrooms. They have a meaty texture and absorb flavors well. Another option is to use tofu. Press it to remove moisture before cooking. This helps it soak up the balsamic glaze. For a heartier meal, try chickpeas. They add protein and texture. To keep your balsamic glazed chicken fresh, store it in a covered container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy the leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or airtight container. Remember to label the bag with the date. This way, you’ll know how long it has been frozen. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or a skillet. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-low. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook until warm, about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use other vinegars. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar work well. Each type gives a unique flavor. You might want to adjust the sweetness. Adding extra honey can balance stronger vinegars. Balsamic glazed chicken goes great with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Quinoa salad - Mixed greens with vinaigrette These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This means your chicken is safe to eat. This blog post covered how to make balsamic glazed chicken. We discussed key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and tips for more flavor. You learned about variations and storage methods for leftovers. This dish is easy to make and customizable. With these tips, you can impress anyone at dinner. Enjoy your cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  2. Flavorful Glaze: The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey creates a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the chicken.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: With optional cherry tomatoes and thyme, you can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences.
  4. Beautiful Presentation: This dish looks stunning when garnished with fresh basil and tomatoes, perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients

To make balsamic glazed chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

These ingredients create a sweet and tangy glaze. The chicken absorbs the rich flavors, making each bite delicious. The balsamic vinegar adds a unique taste that pairs well with honey and garlic. Using fresh basil and tomatoes can elevate the dish’s look and flavor. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy the creative process as you prepare this simple yet flavorful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Balsamic Glaze

Start by making the balsamic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together:

– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– A pinch of salt and pepper

Mix it well until everything blends smoothly. Set this aside for later.

Cooking the Chicken

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. While the oil heats, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Simmering with Glaze and Optional Additions

Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet. If you want, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Gently stir to coat the chicken and tomatoes in the glaze. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken. Turn the chicken occasionally to coat it well. After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Chicken

To get juicy chicken, start with even thickness. You can pound the chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and tender.

Thicken the Glaze for Extra Flavor

For a rich glaze, let it simmer longer. Once you pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, keep the heat on medium. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. This helps the glaze thicken and cling to the chicken. If you want it thicker, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. This will give your glaze a nice, glossy finish.

Presentation Enhancements for Serving

For a stunning plate, use a large white platter. Place the glazed chicken in the center. Scatter fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes around it. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken. This makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. The colors will pop and impress your guests. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the dish’s overall taste. Whenever possible, opt for fresh basil and thyme instead of dried.
  3. Watch the Glaze: Keep an eye on the balsamic glaze as it thickens; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the glaze.

Variations

Different Proteins to Try

You can swap chicken for other meats. Try using pork or turkey. Both cook well with the balsamic glaze. If you prefer fish, salmon is a great choice. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. For a twist, use shrimp. They cook quickly and soak up the glaze nicely.

Flavor Variations with Herbs and Spices

Adding herbs can change the flavor profile. Fresh rosemary gives a woodsy taste. Oregano adds a nice Italian flair. You can also use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. Each herb or spice brings its own unique taste.

Vegetarian Options

If you want a vegetarian dish, use portobello mushrooms. They have a meaty texture and absorb flavors well. Another option is to use tofu. Press it to remove moisture before cooking. This helps it soak up the balsamic glaze. For a heartier meal, try chickpeas. They add protein and texture.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigerating Leftovers

To keep your balsamic glazed chicken fresh, store it in a covered container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy the leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or airtight container. Remember to label the bag with the date. This way, you’ll know how long it has been frozen.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or a skillet. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-low. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook until warm, about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes, you can use other vinegars. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar work well. Each type gives a unique flavor. You might want to adjust the sweetness. Adding extra honey can balance stronger vinegars.

What side dishes pair well with balsamic glazed chicken?

Balsamic glazed chicken goes great with many sides. Here are some tasty options:

– Roasted vegetables

– Garlic mashed potatoes

– Steamed green beans

– Quinoa salad

– Mixed greens with vinaigrette

These sides add color and flavor to your meal.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This means your chicken is safe to eat.

This blog post covered how to make balsamic glazed chicken. We discussed key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and tips for more flavor. You learned about variations and storage methods for leftovers.

This dish is easy to make and customizable. With these tips, you can impress anyone at dinner. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavor

To make balsamic glazed chicken, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional) These ingredients create a sweet and tangy glaze. The chicken absorbs the rich flavors, making each bite delicious. The balsamic vinegar adds a unique taste that pairs well with honey and garlic. Using fresh basil and tomatoes can elevate the dish’s look and flavor. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy the creative process as you prepare this simple yet flavorful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by making the balsamic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - A pinch of salt and pepper Mix it well until everything blends smoothly. Set this aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. While the oil heats, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet. If you want, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Gently stir to coat the chicken and tomatoes in the glaze. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken. Turn the chicken occasionally to coat it well. After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. To get juicy chicken, start with even thickness. You can pound the chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and tender. For a rich glaze, let it simmer longer. Once you pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, keep the heat on medium. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. This helps the glaze thicken and cling to the chicken. If you want it thicker, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. This will give your glaze a nice, glossy finish. For a stunning plate, use a large white platter. Place the glazed chicken in the center. Scatter fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes around it. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken. This makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. The colors will pop and impress your guests. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the dish's overall taste. Whenever possible, opt for fresh basil and thyme instead of dried. Watch the Glaze: Keep an eye on the balsamic glaze as it thickens; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the glaze. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Try using pork or turkey. Both cook well with the balsamic glaze. If you prefer fish, salmon is a great choice. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. For a twist, use shrimp. They cook quickly and soak up the glaze nicely. Adding herbs can change the flavor profile. Fresh rosemary gives a woodsy taste. Oregano adds a nice Italian flair. You can also use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. Each herb or spice brings its own unique taste. If you want a vegetarian dish, use portobello mushrooms. They have a meaty texture and absorb flavors well. Another option is to use tofu. Press it to remove moisture before cooking. This helps it soak up the balsamic glaze. For a heartier meal, try chickpeas. They add protein and texture. To keep your balsamic glazed chicken fresh, store it in a covered container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy the leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or airtight container. Remember to label the bag with the date. This way, you’ll know how long it has been frozen. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or a skillet. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-low. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook until warm, about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use other vinegars. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar work well. Each type gives a unique flavor. You might want to adjust the sweetness. Adding extra honey can balance stronger vinegars. Balsamic glazed chicken goes great with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Quinoa salad - Mixed greens with vinaigrette These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This means your chicken is safe to eat. This blog post covered how to make balsamic glazed chicken. We discussed key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and tips for more flavor. You learned about variations and storage methods for leftovers. This dish is easy to make and customizable. With these tips, you can impress anyone at dinner. Enjoy your cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish glazed with a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by creating the balsamic glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Once ready, set this delicious mixture aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
  • Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook them for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely golden brown and thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • After the chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium. Pour the prepared balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet.
  • Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh thyme (if using) into the skillet. Gently stir to ensure the chicken and tomatoes are evenly coated in the delectable glaze.
  • Let the glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, giving it time to thicken slightly. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure an even coating of flavor on all sides.
  • Once thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, garnish with fresh basil and drizzle remaining glaze over the chicken.
Keyword balsamic, chicken, dinner, glazed

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