I love this honey balsamic chicken recipe because it blends tangy balsamic and sweet honey with a hint of garlic magic. The chicken cooks beautifully in a cast iron skillet, creating a dish that feels gourmet yet effortless. It’s my absolute top dinner choice when I’m craving comfort food with a twist.

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I love making this Glazed Balsamic Chicken recipe because it’s both healthy and full of flavor. I use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts which gives a good protein boost and I season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of 2 tablespoons olive oil.

The marinade is super simple and tasty with 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey and 2 minced garlic cloves. My go-to sometimes include a touch of dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon) and a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

This dish is perfect for a light dinner, and you can cook it in a cast-iron skillet making it easy and gluten-free. I’ve experimented and found it a great option for summer chicken breast recipes and other easy glazed honey balsamic chicken variations that feel both healthy and comforting.

Enjoy the blend of tangy, sweet, savory flavors!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the mix of tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet honey just makes the chicken taste amazing. I enjoy how simple it is to make since it only takes one pan and easy steps, which means I dont have to spend hours in the kitchen. I also love that I can tweak it by adding some rosemary or red pepper flakes if Im in the mood for a little extra kick. Lastly, it feels great to serve a healthy, gluten-free dinner that still looks fancy when I drizzle the glaze over the chicken.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts: Lean protein that’s super filling and good for body repair
Olive oil: Healthy fat that adds smooth flavor and helps keep the meat moist
Balsamic vinegar: Tangy, slightly sour liquid that really lifts the dish
Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the vinegar’s tang in every bite
Garlic: Robust, flavorful addition that boosts aroma and aids digestion

Ingredient Quantities

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

2 garlic cloves, minced

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make this

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1. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

2. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.

3. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side, until it’s nicely browned.

4. Flip the chicken over, then add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir it around for about 30 seconds to release the aroma.

5. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and drizzle the honey over the chicken, letting the sauce bubble up.

6. If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle the dried rosemary and red pepper flakes over the chicken now.

7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 6-8 minutes or until it’s cooked through.

8. Once the chicken is done, spoon some of the balsamic glaze over the top and serve warm. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Cast iron skillet
2. Tongs or spatula (for flipping the chicken)
3. Knife (to mince garlic)
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons (for salt, pepper, rosemary and red pepper flakes)
6. Measuring cup (for balsamic vinegar)
7. Basting spoon (for glazing the chicken)
8. Timer or clock (to keep track of cooking times)

FAQ

Q: Can i use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yeah, you can use thighs, but you'll need to adjust the cookin time so that the meat is fully cooked.

Q: Do i need to marinate the chicken before cookin it?

A: Not really. This recipe lets the chicken cook in the glaze so it picks up all that great flavor while cooking.

Q: Can i swap the olive oil with another oil?

A: Sure, you can use another oil like vegetable or canola, but the flavor might change a bit.

Q: What can i serve it with?

A: I usually serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple rice pilaf, but any side you like should work fine.

Q: How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

A: It takes about 30 minutes, from start to finish, with cookin time included.

Glazed Balsamic Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless chicken thighs if you want a juicier flavor.
If you’re out of olive oil, try using avocado oil or even canola oil for a milder taste.
Don’t have balsamic vinegar? Red wine vinegar mixed with a tiny extra drizzle of honey works pretty well.
No honey? Maple syrup or agave syrup is a great substitute to achieve that sweet glaze.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the pan is super hot before you put the chicken in so you get a really nice brown crust, its one of the best ways to lock in the juices.
2. Keep an eye on the garlic when you add it because if it cooks too long it can turn bitter, so only let it cook for a short time.
3. If you have a meat thermometer, use it to check that the chicken reaches around 165°F, this really helps to avoid undercooked chicken and keeps it juicy.
4. Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes after cooking, this lets the flavors settle in and makes the chicken even tastier.