Description
Balsamic Glazed Chicken offers a perfect blend of tangy sweetness and juicy, tender chicken with a glossy, flavorful glaze. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it makes a quick, versatile, and impressive dinner option that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Glaze
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the olive oil and seasonings stick better and ensure a good sear. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the balsamic glaze: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in balsamic vinegar (natural), brown sugar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Let this mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. If a thicker consistency is desired, sprinkle a little natural gelling agent and stir continuously until glossy and syrupy.
- Combine and coat: Return the chicken to the skillet with the glaze. Spoon the sauce over the chicken for an even coat. Add fresh rosemary or thyme if using and let everything meld together over low heat for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer your beautifully glazed chicken to a serving plate. Spoon extra glaze from the pan over the top to amplify the flavor and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry to ensure a proper sear and avoid steaming.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Allow the balsamic mixture to reduce fully to achieve perfect glaze balance.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel for even searing and glaze caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, chicken with balsamic glaze, healthy chicken dish
