Honey-Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breasts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Honey-Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breasts, a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess that elevates simple chicken breasts to a gourmet meal. This easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The dried thyme adds an aromatic touch while the honey and balsamic vinegar create a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the succulent chicken. Serve alongside your favorite veggies or over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (for cooking)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (4 ounce) (trimmed and pounded to an even thickness)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (to taste)
honey
2 tablespoons (for glazing)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure full flavor coverage.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is recommended.
4
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add balsamic vinegar and honey to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly.
6
Drizzle the honey-balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey-Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breasts?
It is a gourmet yet simple meal featuring chicken breasts seasoned with thyme and coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey and balsamic vinegar.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires dried thyme, salt, black pepper, olive oil, boneless skinless chicken breast halves, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
How long should I cook the chicken breasts?
The chicken should be cooked for 7 to 8 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until golden brown.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The recommended internal temperature for the chicken is 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is cooked through.
How is the glaze prepared?
After cooking the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, add balsamic vinegar and honey to the skillet, and simmer for 1 minute while stirring.
Should I pound the chicken breasts before cooking?
Yes, the recipe suggests pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Olive oil is recommended for heating in the skillet before cooking the seasoned chicken.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
This dish is best served alongside your favorite vegetables or over a bed of fluffy rice.
How do I keep the chicken warm while making the glaze?
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and cover it loosely with foil to retain heat.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, although the recipe calls for dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme by using about three times the amount.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe ideal for quick weeknight meals or for impressing guests.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe use?
The recipe calls for four 4-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What flavor profile does the balsamic vinegar add?
The balsamic vinegar provides a tangy acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey.
Why should I scrape the bottom of the skillet when making the glaze?
Scraping the skillet helps incorporate the browned bits from the chicken, which adds extra flavor to the glaze.
How do I know when the glaze is ready?
The glaze is ready when it has simmered for about 1 minute and has thickened slightly.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it uses lean protein and controlled amounts of oil and sweeteners.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
While honey provides a specific flavor, you could likely substitute maple syrup or agave, though it will alter the taste profile.
Do I need a special pan for this?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the chicken and the sticky glaze from adhering to the pan.
How do I season the chicken?
Combine the dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the meat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What should the oil look like before adding chicken?
The oil should be shimmering hot over medium-high heat before the chicken is placed in the skillet.
Is the chicken skinless in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always ensure your balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I double the glaze?
Yes, if you prefer extra sauce for your side dishes, you can double the balsamic vinegar and honey measurements.
What is the best way to reheat the chicken?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the meat moist.
Does the honey-balsamic mixture burn easily?
Yes, because of the sugar content in honey, it is important to reduce the heat to medium-low and stir constantly.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is not spicy. It features savory thyme and a sweet-tangy glaze.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
How long does prep time usually take?
Prep time is minimal, involving trimming the chicken, pounding it flat, and mixing the spices, taking roughly 10 minutes.