Name: Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1–2 tbsp olive oil; 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried thyme; Optional: cherry tomatoes or fresh basil, for garnish

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This Balsamic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together juicy, seared chicken and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. It’s made in one pan, ready in under 30 minutes, and pairs beautifully with anything from roasted veggies to mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. When I want a quick weeknight dinner that still tastes like it came from a restaurant, this is my go-to.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers bold, rich flavor with just a handful of ingredients. The balsamic vinegar reduces into a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken, adding just the right balance of acidity and sweetness. It’s fast, easy, and versatile—I can keep it light with veggies or turn it into a hearty meal with pasta or rice. Best of all, it’s done in one skillet with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Balsamic vinegar
Honey or brown sugar
Chicken broth
Italian seasoning or dried thyme
Cherry tomatoes or fresh basil (optional, for serving)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Then I remove it and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I lower the heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
I add the balsamic vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
I let the sauce simmer and reduce for 4–5 minutes until thickened slightly into a glaze.
I return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it and letting it simmer for another minute or two.
I garnish with fresh basil or a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests when I want something fast but impressive.

Variations

I sometimes use thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
For a deeper flavor, I add a splash of soy sauce or a pat of butter to the sauce before serving.
I’ve added mushrooms or onions to the pan for an even heartier version.
If I want more sweetness, I increase the honey slightly or add a splash of balsamic glaze at the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, spooning extra sauce over the top to keep it moist. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—I just thaw and reheat when ready.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead?

Yes, I’ve used store-bought glaze in a pinch. I just add it at the end and skip the sauce reduction step—it works great for saving time.

What’s the best side dish for balsamic chicken?

I love it with garlic mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans also pair beautifully.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, I grill the chicken separately and simmer the balsamic sauce in a small pan on the stove. Then I drizzle the glaze over the grilled chicken to finish.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Not at all. The sauce is flavorful enough on its own, and the chicken picks it up while simmering. But if I have time, a quick 30-minute marinade in balsamic and herbs adds extra flavor.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. I’ve doubled the sauce many times when I want more to drizzle over sides or save some for later. Just keep the same ratios and reduce it a bit longer.

Conclusion

This Balsamic Chicken is one of those easy dinners that never lets me down. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and full of rich, bold flavor—all with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, this recipe always delivers comfort and elegance in one delicious pan.

Balsamic Chicken