Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A delightful fusion of sweet cherries and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a mouthwatering glaze for chicken, making this dish perfect for any dinner table.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-08T15:45:28.854Z

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. The glaze is made with fresh cherries and balsamic vinegar, creating a luscious sauce that complements the juicy chicken perfectly.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the chicken's flavor
  • Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
  • A beautiful dish that impresses at any dinner party

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of sweet cherries and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a unique flavor profile that elevates the chicken to new heights. This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is not just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. The natural sweetness of the cherries balances beautifully with the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, making it a delightful dish for any palate.

The addition of honey and Dijon mustard in the glaze adds layers of complexity, enhancing the overall taste. The honey provides a subtle sweetness that complements the cherries, while the mustard introduces a slight tang that brightens the dish. This careful balance ensures that the glaze clings perfectly to the chicken, making each piece utterly delicious.

Quick and Easy Dinner Solution

Life can get hectic, and finding time to prepare a home-cooked meal can be challenging. This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe is designed with busy weeknights in mind. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a gourmet meal ready in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect solution for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

The simplicity of this recipe does not compromise flavor. Cooking the chicken in a single skillet allows for easy cleanup, while the glaze simmers to perfection alongside the meat. This dish is not only quick but also visually appealing, making it a great option for impressing guests or enjoying a family dinner.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To complement the rich flavors of Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken, consider serving it alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables. A fresh arugula salad with goat cheese and walnuts pairs beautifully, adding a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the glaze. Alternatively, roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts can add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor to your meal.

For a complete dining experience, pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in these wines will harmonize with the balsamic vinegar while enhancing the overall flavors of the dish. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this chicken recipe will surely be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cherry Balsamic Glaze

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Combine all ingredients for a delicious main course!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Glaze

In the same skillet, add the cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately, drizzling extra glaze on top.

Enjoy your Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken with a side of vegetables or rice!

Tips for the Best Results

For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season cherries when making this dish. Their natural sweetness will elevate the glaze and enhance the overall taste of the chicken. If fresh cherries are not available, frozen cherries can be a good alternative, but ensure they are thawed and drained before use.

When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures that the chicken browns evenly and locks in moisture. If your skillet isn't large enough, consider cooking the chicken in batches. This small step can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your final dish.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of the cherry balsamic glaze will continue to develop, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. When storing, it's best to keep the glaze separate from the chicken to maintain optimal texture.

To reheat, place the chicken and glaze in a skillet over low heat, allowing it to warm gently. This method helps preserve the glaze's consistency and flavor. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries for the glaze?

Yes, frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

→ What can I serve with Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and chicken ahead of time, then reheat before serving.

Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

A delightful fusion of sweet cherries and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a mouthwatering glaze for chicken, making this dish perfect for any dinner table.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. Salt and pepper to taste
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cherry Balsamic Glaze

  1. 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  2. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  3. 2 tablespoons honey
  4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  5. 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add the cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 03

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately, drizzling extra glaze on top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 30g