If you are craving a dish that dazzles the taste buds without demanding complicated steps, this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are beautifully coated in a luscious, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze that effortlessly elevates the meal from ordinary to restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe offers a burst of flavor with every bite while keeping the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and delivering the perfect texture and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- Four 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose larger breasts for a juicy and satisfying portion size.
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme): Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the balsamic glaze beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken throughout, enhancing all other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken perfectly, creating a lovely crust.
- â…“ cup water: Helps create the base of the glaze and prevents scorching.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient that provides tangy, slightly sweet brilliance.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Balances the vinegar’s acidity with just the right touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces: Enriches the glaze with a silky smooth finish.
- Spinach (optional): A fresh, vibrant side that pairs perfectly with the rich glaze.
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by combining your dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Use this aromatic blend to pat both sides of your chicken breasts thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned and bursting with flavor from the inside out.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the pan, letting them brown for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust. Once done, transfer the breasts to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
Using the same skillet, pour in the water, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir the mixture constantly and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and reduces by half. This concentrated syrup will give your chicken that irresistible glossy finish.
Step 4: Add Butter and Simmer
Remove the pan from heat briefly, then stir in the butter pieces until fully melted, transforming the sauce into a rich, velvety glaze. Return the skillet to medium-low heat and nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan, turning them gently so every inch gets coated with the luscious glaze.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Allow the chicken to simmer in the glaze for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. This final simmer ensures the chicken is cooked through, tender, and infused with the deep flavors of the balsamic glaze. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your balsamic glazed chicken breasts hot, drizzling any extra glaze from the pan over the top for added flavor and shine. A bed of fresh sautéed spinach or your favorite side dish will complete this stunning meal.
How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme can add a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the glaze. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or toasted pine nuts can also offer a delightful contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
The tangy-sweet glaze pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides like sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside creamy risotto or a grain salad with tangy vinaigrette to echo the balsamic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken on a long rectangular platter, spooning the glaze artistically over the breasts. Adding colorful edible flowers or a side of vibrant roasted cherry tomatoes can make your presentation truly stunning and perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover balsamic glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the glaze with the chicken to retain its juicy flavor and prevent drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken breasts along with the glaze in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, allowing the glaze to soften and the chicken to heat through evenly. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to prevent drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken breasts can be used, but you will need to increase the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a small amount of honey or sugar to mimic the sweet and tangy profile. However, the unique depth of balsamic is part of what makes this recipe so special.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the breasts.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the chicken to finish cooking to maintain that silky texture.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe is truly one of those meals that brings joy with every bite and has quickly become a personal favorite to share with friends. Its perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and rich buttery finish proves that simple ingredients can create truly exceptional dishes. I encourage you to try it soon—you might find it becomes your go-to weeknight winner just like it is for me!
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Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, slightly sweet balsamic glaze. The quick skillet method allows you to create a flavorful dish in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The glaze, made from balsamic vinegar, honey, and butter, adds a delicious tangy-sweet finish that complements the savory thyme-seasoned chicken beautifully. Serve it alongside sautéed spinach or your favorite side for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- Four 6-ounce (or larger) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Glaze:
- â…“ cup water
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
Optional:
- Spinach, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture to ensure they are well seasoned.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until browned. Flip and brown the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Glaze: In the same skillet, add water, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes or until it reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy, intensifying the flavors.
- Add Butter and Simmer: Remove the skillet from heat briefly and stir in the butter pieces until they melt completely, creating a smooth glaze. Return the skillet to medium-low heat and put the chicken back into the pan, coating each piece well with the glaze.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for about 3 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the glazed chicken breasts, spoon extra glaze from the pan over the top, and serve warm. Optionally, add sautéed spinach or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to monitor the glaze closely while reducing to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried thyme but adjust the quantity accordingly, using slightly more fresh thyme.
- Feel free to serve with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a clove of minced garlic to the glaze before adding water and balsamic vinegar.
