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
Scale
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.
