Description
Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner dish featuring juicy skinless, boneless chicken breasts coated with a sweet and tangy natural balsamic glaze made from balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy, protein-packed meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional for Glaze Thickness
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar powder)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for balanced seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in balsamic vinegar (natural), honey (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir gently while simmering for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Add natural gelling agent if desired for extra thickness and stir to combine well.
- Combine Chicken and Glaze: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the glaze over the pieces. Cook together for another 2 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavorful glaze completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme on top just before serving to add a burst of aroma and vivid green color.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if necessary for a proper sear.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma rather than powdered garlic.
- Simmer glaze gently on medium heat to avoid burning the natural sweetness.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Balsamic glazed chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, healthy chicken, natural glaze, weeknight meal, protein-packed, chicken breast recipe
