Savory Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Mushrooms
This delightful chicken recipe features tender chicken breast halves, elegantly paired with portabella mushrooms. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh thyme, enveloped in a luscious sauce that's perfect with rice or pasta. With a simple preparation and a celebration of robust flavors, this dish is perfect for both cozy dinners and entertaining guests.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breast halves
4-6 (pounded into 1/4 inch thickness)
Portabella mushrooms
1 lb (sliced)
Flour
as needed (for dusting chicken)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Garlic cloves
6-8 (peeled)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Chicken broth
3/4 cup (none)
Bay leaf
1 (none)
Fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (snipped)
Instructions
1
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dust each piece with flour.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic cloves and sliced portabella mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most mushroom moisture has evaporated.
4
Add balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are covered with sauce. Cover and let simmer for 2 to 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Plate the chicken with cooked mushrooms and spoon the sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Mushrooms?
This dish features tender chicken breast halves paired with portabella mushrooms in a luscious balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh thyme sauce.
How many servings does this chicken recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before cooking?
The boneless chicken breast halves should be pounded into 1/4 inch thickness, seasoned with salt and pepper, and lightly dusted with flour.
What type of mushrooms are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of sliced portabella mushrooms.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
You will need 6 to 8 peeled garlic cloves for this dish.
What is the purpose of dusting the chicken with flour?
Lightly dusting the chicken with flour helps achieve a golden brown crust when browning and assists in thickening the balsamic sauce.
How long should I brown the chicken in the skillet?
Brown the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What heat setting should be used for browning the chicken?
The chicken should be browned over medium heat using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How long do the mushrooms and garlic need to sauté?
Sauté the garlic and sliced mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes, or until most of the mushroom moisture has evaporated.
What ingredients make up the liquid base of the sauce?
The sauce is made using 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
Which herbs are used for seasoning the glaze?
The recipe uses one bay leaf and 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh thyme.
How long does the sauce need to reduce?
After adding the vinegar, broth, and herbs, stir and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
When should I return the chicken to the skillet?
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet once the sauce has reduced slightly, ensuring they are well-covered with the sauce.
How long does the chicken simmer in the balsamic sauce?
Cover and simmer the chicken for 2 to 4 minutes until it is cooked through and tender.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, always remove the bay leaf before plating the meal.
What are some suggested sides to serve with this dish?
This chicken is perfect when served with rice or pasta to capture the extra balsamic sauce.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, as indicated by its tags, this is a protein-rich meal due to the chicken breast content.
How much total olive oil is used?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried thyme using a smaller quantity.
What makes this dish suitable for guests?
Its elegant presentation, portabella mushrooms, and robust gourmet flavors make it ideal for entertaining guests.
How do I ensure the mushrooms are cooked correctly?
Stir them occasionally while sautéing until their moisture has evaporated to concentrate their savory flavor.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken Breast dishes.
Is the chicken skinless?
The recipe specifies boneless chicken breast halves; they are typically skinless to allow for even browning and pounding.
How do I plate this meal?
Plate the chicken alongside the cooked mushrooms and spoon the remaining balsamic sauce over the top.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
This specific recipe relies on the unique sweetness and acidity of balsamic vinegar for the glaze.
What texture should the chicken have?
The chicken should be tender and moist, having been simmered briefly in the broth and vinegar mixture.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The recipe does not list added sugar, though balsamic vinegar contains natural sugars that caramelize into a glaze.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients required to make this dish.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with short browning and simmering times, it is tagged as an easy dinner.
What are the key tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include balsamic, chicken, mushrooms, savory, thyme, easy dinner, protein-rich, and gourmet.