Description
Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a luscious glaze made from fresh or frozen cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and herbs. This quick and easy recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with an elegant glossy finish, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Create the Cherry Balsamic Glaze: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in fresh cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture reduces into a thick, glossy glaze.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spoon the cherry balsamic glaze over the top, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and coat the chicken with the luscious sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the glazed chicken, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh tart cherries for the best flavor; sweet cherries are a good alternative balanced with additional vinegar.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Simmer the glaze slowly to achieve a rich, syrupy consistency without burning.
- Nonstick or cast-iron skillets are recommended for a perfect sear and to prevent sticking.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Frozen cherries can be used but should be thawed and drained to avoid a watery glaze.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored refrigerated up to 3 days, reheated before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg