Benefits and Advantages of balsamic glazed chicken
- Ease of preparation: This balsamic glazed chicken recipe is quick and simple, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Health benefits: Rich in protein and antioxidants from the balsamic vinegar, this dish supports muscle maintenance and offers anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall wellness.
- Versatility: The recipe adapts well to different dietary needs, including low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo diets, simply by adjusting side dishes or ingredient choices.
- Distinctive flavor: The combination of tangy balsamic glaze with savory chicken creates a rich, complex flavor profile that stands out from typical chicken dishes.
Jump To
- 1. Benefits and Advantages of balsamic glazed chicken
- 2. Essential Ingredients for balsamic glazed chicken
- 3. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your balsamic glazed chicken
- 4. How to Prepare the Perfect balsamic glazed chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
- 5. Mastering balsamic glazed chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store balsamic glazed chicken: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About balsamic glazed chicken
- 8. balsamic glazed chicken
Essential Ingredients for balsamic glazed chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 ½ pounds) or 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided use)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade) or ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for glaze
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, enhances depth)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (balances acidity and sweetness)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
- 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1½ to 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)
- 2 teaspoons butter (optional, for finishing glaze)
- Optional vegetables (such as baby carrots, baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli florets)
These ingredients balance savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, creating the classic balsamic glaze taste.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your balsamic glazed chicken
Protein and Main Component Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or boneless pork loin for similar lean options. For vegetarian or vegan diets, use grilled tempeh, firm tofu, or seitan to keep protein content while fitting plant-based preferences.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications: Replace fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a milder flavor. Substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang. Incorporate seasonal veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize your meal. Adding red chili flakes or smoked paprika provides a spicy kick, and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can replace regular soy sauce to cater to gluten sensitivity.
How to Prepare the Perfect balsamic glazed chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare ingredients: Measure balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and mince garlic. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper for even cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Cook garlic: Lower heat to medium-low, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant without burning.
- Add glaze: Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey, stirring to coat chicken. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning; optionally add fresh thyme or rosemary for additional aroma.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Serve hot with your preferred sides. Consider adding sautéed vegetables as a complete one-pan meal.
For sure-fire juicy and flavorful results, using a meat thermometer helps confirm perfect doneness.
Find recipe ideas like Garlic Chicken or Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup to complement your meal.
Also, learn how to make your own glaze at How to Make Balsamic Glaze and discover Health Benefits of Chicken.
Mastering balsamic glazed chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
Pro cooking techniques: To achieve perfectly cooked balsamic glazed chicken, use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). After searing, finish cooking the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for even heat penetration and juiciness. This two-step method locks in moisture and develops a glossy glaze.
Flavor variations: Experiment by infusing your balsamic glaze with fresh herbs such as basil or mint for aromatic freshness. Adding a splash of orange juice brings a citrus twist that brightens the dish. For a smoky note, sprinkle smoked paprika into the glaze or add a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat.
Presentation tips: Serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed greens or creamy polenta to add color and texture contrast. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze artistically over the plate and garnish with fresh microgreens or edible flowers for an appealing and elegant appearance.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the balsamic glaze in advance and marinate chicken breasts overnight in the refrigerator. This deepens flavor and simplifies your busy weeknight cooking, allowing you to finish the dish quickly.
How to Store balsamic glazed chicken: Best Practices
- Refrigeration: Place leftover balsamic glazed chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. This preserves flavor and texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Consume within 2–3 months for optimal taste and quality.
- Reheating: Warm chicken gently in a low-temperature oven or microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
- Meal prep tips: Cook larger batches of chicken and portion with vegetables or sides into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About balsamic glazed chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for balsamic glazed chicken?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and tend to dry out more easily than thighs. To keep them moist, choose breasts of even thickness and lightly pound them. Bake at 425°F, covering for the first 10 minutes, and finish uncovered for about 8 more minutes. Using chicken breasts allows the marinade to absorb well, but watch the cooking time closely to avoid dryness.
Is it okay to use store-bought balsamic glaze for this recipe?
Store-bought balsamic glaze can be used as a shortcut. Heat it gently and stir in butter or other ingredients as the recipe directs. Keep in mind that some commercial glazes are sweeter or thicker, so adjust quantities to taste. Using a glaze simplifies the process but may alter the balance of flavors compared to making your own balsamic reduction.
How can I tell when balsamic glazed chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using an instant-read thermometer. Additionally, the balsamic glaze should thicken slightly and coat the chicken nicely. Check the thickest part of the meat and observe the sauce texture to ensure doneness and flavor development.
What vegetables pair well with balsamic glazed chicken in a one-pan meal?
Firm vegetables such as baby carrots, baby Yukon potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli florets are excellent choices. These vegetables hold up well during baking and complement the tangy-sweet glaze. Spread them in a single layer and cook until lightly browned and crisp-tender for the best texture and flavor combination.
How long can I store leftover balsamic glazed chicken safely?
Leftover balsamic glazed chicken should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within three to four days. To maintain texture and flavor, reheat gently and avoid overcooking. Proper storage helps prevent spoilage and keeps the dish enjoyable for later meals.
balsamic glazed chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
🍗 Balsamic Glazed Chicken offers a deliciously tangy and sweet dinner that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
🌿 This one-pan meal combines tender chicken and flavorful veggies for a wholesome, easy-to-clean-up dish you’ll love to make again and again.
Ingredients
– 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 ½ pounds) or 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided use)
– 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade) or ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for glaze
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, enhances depth)
– 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (balances acidity and sweetness)
– Juice of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
– 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
– 1½ to 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)
– 2 teaspoons butter (optional, for finishing glaze)
– Optional vegetables (such as baby carrots, baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli florets)
Instructions
1-Prepare ingredients: Measure balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and mince garlic. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper for even cooking.
2-Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
3-Cook garlic: Lower heat to medium-low, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant without burning.
4-Add glaze: Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey, stirring to coat chicken. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
5-Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning; optionally add fresh thyme or rosemary for additional aroma.
6-Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Serve hot with your preferred sides. Consider adding sautéed vegetables as a complete one-pan meal.
Notes
⏲️ Marinate chicken for 2 to 4 hours to deepen flavor and improve tenderness.
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly to 165°F (74°C) without drying out.
🔨 Pound chicken breasts evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast with veggies
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Balsamic Glazed Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Chicken with Vegetables
I tried this recipe last night and it was such a hit with my family! 🎉 I added some roasted cherry tomatoes as a side and it paired perfectly with the glaze. Will definitely make this again!
★★★★★