If you’re searching for a dish that brilliantly balances sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite, this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe is an absolute gem that you will want to add to your culinary repertoire instantly. Tender chicken breasts are lovingly coated in a luscious glaze made from fresh cherries, rich balsamic vinegar, and a splash of honey, making every forkful a delightful harmony of flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a weekday dinner, delivering beautiful color and impressive taste without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but work together beautifully to create a complex flavor profile and a stunning dish. Each element plays an essential role in bringing out the best texture, color, and balance for this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the glaze perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy depth that complements the cherries.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Offers a gentle, natural sweetness to balance acidity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with lovely aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional): Adds earthy aroma and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is perfect for finishing the chicken gently after searing. Meanwhile, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper—this simple step brings out the natural flavors and creates a savory foundation for the glaze to shine.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts carefully and let them sear without moving for about 4 minutes per side. The goal is to get a glorious golden-brown crust that locks in the juices. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside briefly, giving you space to work on the delicious glaze.
Step 3: Build the Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step releases incredible aroma. Then add the cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey, gently stirring as they cook together for about 5 minutes. Watch as the mixture thickens slightly, transforming into a glossy, sweet-tart glaze that will elevate the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nesting them into the cherry glaze and spooning some over the top so every bite will be bursting with flavor. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). This baking step finishes the chicken gently while letting it soak up the glaze magic.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute for moist and tender bites. If you like, brighten it up with fresh thyme sprigs which add a lovely earthy aroma and an elegant pop of green.
How to Serve Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme is a classic choice that complements the fruitiness and acidity of this glaze effortlessly. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper can also enhance the visual appeal and add subtle flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of fluffy couscous to soak up all that irresistible sauce. For lighter options, consider a crisp green salad or steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil and lemon for freshness that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the chicken atop a smear of whipped goat cheese or creamy polenta, then drizzle the cherry glaze artistically around the edges. Using a white or neutral plate lets the brilliant reddish glaze really pop and makes your meal look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe, let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic candidate for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken with its glaze for longer storage. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through, spooning extra glaze over to keep it juicy and flavorful. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well and make this recipe accessible year-round. Just thaw them slightly before adding, and the glaze will still develop that rich, sweet-tart flavor that fresh cherries provide.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure that your balsamic vinegar and honey are certified gluten-free if you’re especially sensitive.
What’s the best way to ensure chicken stays juicy?
Searing the chicken first locks in moisture by creating a golden crust, and finishing it in the oven with the cherry balsamic glaze helps to keep it tender and juicy. Resting the chicken after baking is also crucial to retain those juices.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another cut?
You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat, which tends to be more forgiving and moist. Adjust cooking time accordingly since thighs may take a bit longer to reach the right temperature.
How can I make the glaze thicker if needed?
If you find the glaze too thin, simply simmer it a little longer on the stove before adding the chicken back in. The reduction will concentrate the flavors and naturally thicken the sauce to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe is a spectacular combination of simple ingredients elevated into something truly memorable. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to impress company, delivering juicy chicken and a vibrant glaze that will keep you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a delicious, elegant dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts glazed with a luscious, tangy-sweet cherry balsamic sauce. Perfectly seared on the stovetop then finished in the oven, this recipe balances savory, fruity, and slightly sweet flavors for a satisfying meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
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 for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown, sealing in juices and creating a flavorful crust.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside temporarily to prepare the glaze.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Cherry Glaze: Add cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey to the skillet. Stir the mixture and cook for roughly 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Return Chicken & Glaze: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the cherry balsamic glaze over each breast to coat well.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to 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 and juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute for ultimate tenderness.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and serve the glazed chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Notes
- Using fresh cherries will give a brighter flavor, but frozen cherries work well when fresh are unavailable.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe before transferring to bake.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer the cherry balsamic mixture a bit longer on the stovetop before adding the chicken back.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
- Leftover chicken is great for salads or sandwiches the next day.
