Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Experience a delightful culinary fusion with this Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and coated in a luscious sauce made from low-sugar raspberry preserves and tangy balsamic vinegar. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits seamlessly into a healthier lifestyle, featuring low-fat ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive meal to share with guests, this dish offers a balance of sweet and savory that will leave everyone wanting more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
flour
1/4 cup (for dredging)
low-fat chicken broth
2/3 cup (as a sauce base)
cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons (for thickening the sauce)
low-sugar raspberry preserves
1/2 cup (for the sauce)
balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (for added flavor)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Then, dredge the chicken pieces in flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour.
2
In a nonstick skillet or wok, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken pieces and cook them for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3
In the same skillet, combine the low-fat chicken broth, cornstarch, and raspberry preserves, stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and mix well.
4
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even glazing and heat distribution. The chicken should absorb the flavors of the sauce while heating through.
5
Once done, remove from heat and serve the Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken warm. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken?
It is a sweet and savory dish consisting of bite-sized chicken breast pieces coated in a flavorful glaze made from raspberry preserves and balsamic vinegar.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: chicken breasts, flour, chicken broth, cornstarch, raspberry preserves, and balsamic vinegar, plus basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are recommended because they are lean and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it must be completely thawed and patted dry before you season and dredge it in flour.
Why do you dredge the chicken in flour?
Dredging the chicken in flour helps create a golden-brown crust and serves as a thickening agent for the sauce later in the cooking process.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
The bite-sized chicken pieces take approximately 15 minutes to cook through and become golden brown in the skillet.
Can I use regular raspberry preserves?
Yes, regular raspberry preserves will work, though low-sugar preserves are suggested to keep the dish healthier and reduce overall sugar content.
What does cornstarch do in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener, helping the chicken broth and raspberry preserves turn into a glossy, luscious glaze.
What can I substitute for low-fat chicken broth?
You can use regular chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube as a substitute.
How does balsamic vinegar affect the flavor profile?
Balsamic vinegar provides a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the raspberry preserves, creating a complex sweet-and-savory profile.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While possible, bone-in chicken will require a significantly longer cooking time and may not be as suitable for the glazing technique described.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be healthy by using lean chicken, low-fat broth, and low-sugar preserves while avoiding heavy fats.
What are good side dishes for this chicken?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a side of brown rice.
Can I substitute other fruit preserves?
Yes, blackberry or apricot preserves can be used as alternatives for a different flavor variation.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it is golden brown on the outside, opaque in the center, and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch for dredging.
What kind of pan should I use?
A nonstick skillet or a wok is ideal to prevent the chicken and the sticky glaze from adhering to the surface.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can mix the broth, cornstarch, and preserves ahead of time, but it is best to cook the sauce fresh with the chicken for the best texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this chicken dish be frozen?
Yes, the cooked chicken and glaze can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the glaze becomes too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon of chicken broth or water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Continue to simmer the sauce for an extra minute or two, as the cornstarch and preserves will thicken naturally as they heat.
Can I add extra spices?
Certainly! Garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes would complement the raspberry balsamic flavors well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the glazed chicken stays moist and flavorful when reheated.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While balsamic is best, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, though they lack the specific depth of balsamic.
Do I need to wash the chicken?
No, food safety experts recommend against washing chicken as it can spread bacteria; simply pat it dry with paper towels.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet while the chicken is finishing for a one-pan meal.
How do I reheat the chicken?
Reheat gently in a microwave-safe dish or in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet raspberry flavor makes it very appealing to children who enjoy fruity glazes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Using 3 chicken breasts, this recipe typically serves 3 to 4 people depending on the size of the breasts and the side dishes served.