Sweet and Savory Cherry-Balsamic Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Sweet and Savory Cherry-Balsamic Chicken dish. Juicy, boneless chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and glazed with a luscious cherry-balsamic reduction that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. This delectable recipe combines the richness of cherry preserves with the zing of balsamic vinegar and aromatic shallots, creating a simple yet impressive meal that is sure to please family and guests alike. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
minced shallots
3 (tablespoons)
cherry preserves
3/4 (cup)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 (cup)
Italian spices
1/4 (teaspoon)
ground pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
boneless chicken breasts
6
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3
Add the minced shallots to the pan and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Stir in the cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, Italian spices, and ground pepper, mixing well.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the glaze reduces by about one-fourth, approximately 6-8 minutes.
6
Set aside 6 tablespoons of the glaze in a small bowl for basting the chicken later.
7
Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt on both sides.
8
Place the prepared chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook them covered for about 4 minutes per side.
9
After flipping the chicken, brush one side generously with the cherry-balsamic glaze and let it set for 1 minute.
10
Gently flip the chicken again, brush the other side with glaze, and continue to cook, basting as needed, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
11
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the deliciously glazed chicken with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Sweet and Savory Cherry-Balsamic Chicken.
What type of chicken is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 6 boneless chicken breasts.
What are the primary flavor profiles of the glaze?
The glaze balances sweet flavors from cherry preserves with the tangy zing of balsamic vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The shallots should be minced, and you will need 3 tablespoons total.
What is the main ingredient for the cherry flavor?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of cherry preserves.
How much balsamic vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
What spices are added to the glaze?
The glaze includes 1/4 teaspoon of Italian spices and 1/8 teaspoon of ground pepper.
How much salt is needed for the chicken?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season the chicken breasts.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
How long should I sauté the minced shallots?
Sauté the shallots for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How much should the glaze reduce during simmering?
The mixture should simmer until it reduces by about one-fourth.
How long does it take to simmer the glaze?
The glaze takes approximately 6-8 minutes to reduce on medium-low heat.
Why do I need to set aside 6 tablespoons of the glaze?
The reserved 6 tablespoons of glaze are used for basting the chicken during the grilling process.
How should the chicken be seasoned before grilling?
Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt on both sides.
Should the chicken be covered while grilling?
Yes, the chicken should be cooked covered for about 4 minutes per side.
When should the glaze be applied to the chicken?
After flipping the chicken for the first time, brush one side generously with the glaze.
How long should the glaze set on the chicken before flipping again?
Let the glaze set for 1 minute before gently flipping the chicken again.
What is the final internal temperature for cooked chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
What are some recommended side dishes?
Serve the chicken with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a weeknight meal.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy.
What are the aromatic components of the sauce?
The aromatic components include minced shallots and Italian spices.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed in total.
What can I use if I don't have a grill?
While the recipe specifies a grill, a grill pan or stovetop skillet could be used as a substitute.
What is the texture of the glaze?
The glaze is described as a luscious cherry-balsamic reduction.
Is the recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the description notes it is a simple yet impressive meal that is sure to please guests.
Can I use different preserves?
The recipe specifically calls for cherry preserves to create the cherry-balsamic flavor profile.
How do you ensure the chicken is juicy?
Grilling the chicken covered and letting it rest after cooking helps keep it juicy.