Irresistible Balsamic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

The aroma of balsamic chicken wafts through the air, making your mouth water and your heart sing. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, kissed by a tangy balsamic glaze that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a Broadway musical.

This dish is perfect for those cozy family dinners or spontaneous gatherings with friends. The rich flavors and delightful textures promise to create unforgettable moments around the dinner table, leaving everyone craving just one more bite.

I once made this balsamic chicken for a friend’s birthday dinner, and let’s just say it stole the show—everyone was raving about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar; it adds depth and richness to the dish.

• Honey: A drizzle of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar perfectly.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste and texture.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these staples!

• Fresh Herbs (like Rosemary or Thyme): These add freshness; feel free to use dried if that’s what you have!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Marinade: In a bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Whisk until well blended; this marinade will bring life to your chicken.

Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and ensure they’re well coated. Allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Preheat Your Oven or Grill: If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, get that grill hot! This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelization.

Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve excess marinade). Bake or grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 20-25 minutes in the oven or 6-8 minutes per side on the grill. Look for golden brown edges!

Make a Glaze (optional but recommended): While chicken cooks, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat; then reduce heat and simmer until thickened slightly—this will elevate your dish even more!

Serve It Up!: Once cooked through, let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. Drizzle with glaze and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Prepare yourself for compliments!

Now grab your forks; it’s time to indulge in this delightful balsamic chicken!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then let it simmer in the balsamic sauce to absorb all the flavors.

Add Your Touch

Try adding garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary for an aromatic twist that elevates your balsamic chicken experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain juiciness.

I once made balsamic chicken for my friends’ dinner party, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It became my go-to recipe, perfect for impressing guests.

FAQ

What can I serve with balsamic chicken?

Pair with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal experience.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs work great too, providing extra tenderness and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F to ensure perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.

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Balsamic Chicken

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• Author: Rachel Lawson
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Marinated in a rich balsamic glaze, this chicken offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with any side, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable meal experience.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs to create the marinade.
2. Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish; pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill.
4. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve excess). Bake for 20-25 minutes or grill for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. For an optional glaze: heat reserved marinade in a saucepan until boiling; reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
6. Let chicken rest for five minutes before slicing; drizzle with glaze and serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking/Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 100mg