Balsamic Chicken is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce. It’s so easy to make, and the flavors blend perfectly!
This dish is a real crowd-pleaser! I often serve it with rice or veggies to soak up the delicious sauce. Your dinner guests will be impressed, and you’ll just smile knowing how simple it was! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. However, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier option or use firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
Balsamic Vinegar: This vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor. If you’re out, red wine vinegar mixed with a touch of sugar can work well as a substitute.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its flavor. If you prefer, avocado oil or any neutral oil will also do a good job.
Brown Sugar or Honey: This ingredient adds a nice sweetness. You can skip it if you want a less sweet dish or replace it with maple syrup if you prefer a different flavor.
Rosemary: Dried rosemary works fine, but fresh is best for a stronger flavor. If you don’t have rosemary, try thyme or oregano for a different herb aroma.
How Do You Perfectly Marinate Chicken?
Marinating chicken is key to infusing it with flavor and moisture. Here are some tips:
- Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade for the best flavor.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, aim for 2 hours if possible.
- Keep it covered in the fridge during marination to maintain freshness.
Don’t forget to reserve some marinade to use later! This will add even more rich flavor as the chicken cooks. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into large chunks
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish)
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You will need an extra 30 minutes minimum for marinating the chicken, but up to 2 hours works best for delicious flavor. So, in total, plan for about 40-90 minutes to enjoy this yummy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar (if you’d like a hint of sweetness), salt, pepper, and dried rosemary. This mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them gently until they’re evenly coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – and if you have the time, a few hours is even better!
3. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Getting it nice and hot is important for searing the chicken perfectly.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Once your chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade (but keep that flavor-packed marinade for later!). Place the chicken chunks into the hot skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
5. Add the Onion and Marinade:
After the chicken is seared, toss the onion chunks into the pan along with the reserved marinade. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Let it Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium and allow the chicken and onions to cook together in the balsamic sauce for an additional 5 minutes. Watch how the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully glossy, coating the chicken!
7. Plate and Garnish:
Transfer the chicken and onions to a serving dish. Make sure to spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top. For a lovely touch, garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Balsamic Chicken warm with your favorite sides like rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. This dish is sure to impress!
Enjoy the tender, flavorful chicken with its lovely caramelized balsamic glaze—it’s a perfect balance of tangy and sweet elements!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and will provide a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar works well, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just store the marinated chicken in the fridge, then proceed with cooking it the next day. It’s a great time-saver!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to keep the chicken tender.