Savory Balsamic Chicken with Caramelized Pears and Tart Cherries
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this savory balsamic chicken dish, enhanced by the natural sweetness of caramelized pears and the tartness of dried cherries. This recipe takes boneless, skinless chicken breasts and transforms them into a succulent meal that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its rich sauce and vibrant fruit toppings, this dish is not only visually appealing but also a feast for your taste buds. Inspired by a classic recipe from The Convent Cook by Maria Tisdall, this updated version incorporates healthy ingredients while maintaining the comforting flavors you love. Serve it alongside your favorite whole grains or a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies and delights.
6
Servings
58
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (3-4 ounces each, pounded to uniform thickness)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
shallot
1 (chopped)
medium pears
2 (peeled, cored, and sliced)
low sodium chicken broth
1 cup (preferably organic)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup
sugar
2 tablespoons
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
dried tart cherries
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2
Place one chicken breast at a time between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it's an even thickness of about 1/2-inch.
3
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a platter; cover with foil to keep warm.
6
In the same pan, add the chopped shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced pears, continuing to cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the pears are tender and golden.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the sautéed pears, then stir in the dried tart cherries.
8
Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
9
Return the browned chicken breasts and any juices back into the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
10
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
11
To serve, place the chicken on individual plates or a large serving platter. Spoon the caramelized pears and dried cherries generously over the chicken, and drizzle with the balsamic sauce.
12
Serve immediately, savoring the harmonious blend of flavors that culinary artistry brings to your table.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Savory Balsamic Chicken with Caramelized Pears and Tart Cherries?
The main ingredient is boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, specifically 3-4 ounce portions.
How many servings does this chicken recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 58 calories.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and pound it between plastic wrap to a uniform thickness of about 1/2-inch.
What type of pears are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 medium pears that have been peeled, cored, and sliced.
How long should the chicken be seared on each side?
The chicken should be cooked for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
What ingredients are used to make the balsamic sauce?
The sauce consists of chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and dried tart cherries.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Yes, according to the tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the chicken?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 6 grams of protein in each serving.
How do I thicken the balsamic sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking cornstarch into the broth and vinegar mixture and simmering for 6 to 8 minutes.
Can I use regular chicken broth?
The recipe suggests using low sodium chicken broth, preferably organic.
What kind of cherries are used in this dish?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of dried tart cherries.
How long should I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the chopped shallots for about 2 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What should I serve with this balsamic chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish alongside favorite whole grains or a fresh salad.
How much sugar is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is an updated version inspired by a classic recipe from The Convent Cook by Maria Tisdall.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 2 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 0.5 grams of fiber.
Is this a high protein meal?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as high protein.
Should I season the chicken before or after cooking?
The chicken should be seasoned generously with salt and black pepper before being added to the pan.
How long do the pears take to cook?
The pears should be cooked for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and golden.
What is the total sugar content per serving?
There are 2 grams of sugar per serving.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has simmered on high heat for 6 to 8 minutes and thickened slightly.
What should I do with the chicken while making the sauce?
Transfer the browned chicken to a platter and cover with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
How much cornstarch is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' suitable for various skill levels.