Description
A simple and flavorful Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts pan-cooked and coated in a rich, slightly sweet balsamic glaze. A perfect weeknight dinner served optionally with spinach for a healthy touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
Optional
- Spinach, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture to ensure flavorful seasoning throughout.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is browned. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Glaze: In the same skillet, add water, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 2 minutes or until it becomes slightly syrupy and has reduced by half, intensifying the flavors.
- Add Butter and Simmer: Remove the skillet from heat briefly and stir in the butter pieces until melted completely, creating a smooth glaze. Then reduce heat to medium-low and return the chicken to the pan, coating it well in 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 another 3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Plate the glazed chicken breasts, spoon extra glaze from the pan over the top, and serve warm, optionally alongside sautéed spinach or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Simple pan-cooked chicken recipe with a delicious, slightly sweet balsamic glaze.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh thyme if available for a brighter herb flavor.
- The glaze can be made thicker by reducing it further if desired.
- Spinach or other leafy greens make a great healthy accompaniment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 ounces)
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 543 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg
