Quick Balsamic Chicken
A quick and easy tangy balsamic chicken recipe ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (60 ml)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (60 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (About 5 minutes)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. (2 minutes)
- Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside tented with foil. (10-12 minutes)
- Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds without burning. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth in a small bowl, then pour into the pan. Stir to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. (3 minutes)
- Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Add fresh herbs if using. (4 minutes)
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Warm together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. (2 minutes)
- Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned on top.
Notes
If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). To thicken sauce quickly, add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth and check mustard and balsamic vinegar labels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ab
- Calories: 280320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: balsamic chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, tangy chicken, weeknight dinner, balsamic vinegar, honey chicken