If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance, you have to try this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken breasts are perfectly seared and then bathed in a luscious glaze made from tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and juicy cherries. The combination creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve guests, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is all it takes to make this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich balsamic vinegar that adds a tangy depth, to the cherries that provide natural sweetness and a gorgeous reddish hue to the glaze.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s lean and cooks quickly to juicy perfection.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries: Adds a burst of fruity sweetness and beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Delivers tang and complexity, balancing the sweetness of cherries and honey.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Naturally sweetens and thickens the glaze, creating a shiny finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken and prevents sticking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every other flavor.
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note and pretty presentation.
How to Make Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken to juicy perfection. While the oven warms up, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for the flavors to come and makes sure every bite is savory.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 4 minutes on each side. This step creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture and flavor, making every bite tender and satisfying.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Glaze
Remove the chicken briefly and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious cherry glaze over the top. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give the chicken a few minutes to rest so the juices redistribute. Then, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, adding a touch of herbal aroma and visual appeal that really brings this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe together.
How to Serve Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme is an excellent choice for garnish, giving a subtle fragrance that complements the cherry glaze perfectly. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few whole cherries on the side for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some quinoa, balancing the richness of the glaze with fresh and vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken on a wooden board with the cherry glaze drizzled artistically over. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of steamed greens or rice, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and glaze together to maintain that lovely balance of flavors and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, wrap the cooled chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. To maintain the best texture, it’s best to freeze the chicken and glaze separately.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and the glaze glossy. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out the chicken; instead, warm it slowly while occasionally spooning the glaze over the top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh ones and bring a wonderful sweetness to the balsamic glaze. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using to keep the sauce from getting too watery.
Is this chicken recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe holds up well when made ahead and stored properly. It’s great for prepping lunches or dinners during busy weeks since the flavors deepen over time.
Can I substitute balsamic vinegar with something else?
The unique tang of balsamic vinegar is key to this dish’s flavor, but you can try red wine vinegar combined with a touch of sugar as a substitute. However, the taste won’t be quite as rich and sweet as with balsamic.
What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet, prepare the glaze separately, and then finish baking everything in an oven-safe dish. Just be careful when transferring the chicken between pans to preserve the sear.
How sweet is this Cherry Balsamic glaze?
The glaze strikes a lovely balance of sweetness from honey and cherries with tanginess from the vinegar. It’s not overly sweet but has enough natural sugar to create a rich, glossy finish that accentuates the chicken beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that combines simplicity with such bold, memorable flavors, and this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this meal will bring warmth and joy to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a deliciously tangy and sweet dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts coated in a rich cherry and balsamic vinegar glaze. Finished in the oven for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with a flavorful balsamic cherry sauce, it makes an impressive yet simple meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry Balsamic 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 (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides for balanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown to lock in juices.
- Set Aside Chicken: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Make Glaze: Add cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Return Chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the cherry glaze over each piece to coat them.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute for moist meat.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and serve warm to enjoy the full flavor of the cherry balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries in season or frozen pitted cherries to maintain availability year-round.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to prevent any damage when transferring to the oven.
- Adjust honey quantity depending on desired sweetness level.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Fresh thyme is optional but adds a lovely herbal aroma and visual appeal.
