Description
Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that delivers juicy, tender chicken with a rich, tangy, caramelized glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, paired well with various sides and fresh herbs for vibrant aroma and color.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on or skinless as preferred
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Garnish
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary
- Optional: fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
- Optional: thin lemon slices for garnish
- Optional: toasted pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and black pepper to ensure balanced savory flavor in every bite.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down if using thighs with skin. Cook until each side is golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the balsamic vinegar (natural), brown sugar (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Cook Through: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece thoroughly. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, tender, and coated beautifully with the glaze.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the chicken to add brightness and aromatic freshness that complements the dish.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
- Allow the balsamic glaze to simmer slowly for richer flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful brown crust.
- Adjust sweetness of the glaze by tasting and modifying sugar as preferred.
- For thicker glaze, add a small pinch of natural gelling agent and whisk well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Balsamic chicken, glazed chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, tangy chicken, caramelized chicken
