If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both weeknight-easy and impressive enough for company, this Balsamic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new standby. Each tender chicken breast is seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a tangy-sweet balsamic sauce that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Fresh cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil bring a pop of color and brightness that elevates the simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice or with crusty bread to mop up every last drop, this dish balances savory, sweet, and just a hint of acidity for a truly irresistible main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients, every element of this Balsamic Chicken Recipe serves a purpose. The marriage of juicy chicken, rich balsamic, and punchy aromatics creates magic in a single skillet—proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients for sensational results.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds flavor and helps achieve a gorgeous golden sear.
Butter: The secret to a silky sauce and extra richness you’ll taste in every bite.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic brings unbeatable aroma and a burst of savory flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: This is the heart of the Balsamic Chicken Recipe, offering sweet tang and color.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, builds flavor, and keeps the sauce perfectly saucy.
Honey: A touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar for a nuanced, sweet-savory finish.
Italian seasoning: Herbs like oregano and basil make every bite fragrant and satisfyingly savory.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
Cherry tomatoes (optional): Bursts of sweetness and a pop of color that complements the balsamic sauce beautifully.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Finish with these fresh herbs for an eye-catching, aromatic garnish.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor, and the seasoning helps form a delicious crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The aroma at this stage is your first hint of the deliciousness to come!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes, which thickens the sauce and concentrates those bold flavors.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Finish Sauce

If you’re using cherry tomatoes, toss them into the skillet now. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices into the sauce for extra sweetness and color.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Coat

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the glossy balsamic mixture over the tops, and let everything simmer together for 2-3 more minutes so the chicken absorbs even more saucy flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle generously with fresh basil or parsley for a final flourish. Serve the Balsamic Chicken Recipe hot, making sure to ladle extra sauce over your chicken and sides.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten each plate with a generous shower of fresh basil or parsley. The herbal lift doesn’t just make your Balsamic Chicken Recipe pop visually—it adds a clean, aromatic note that balances the rich sauce. A grind of black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a lovely touch just before serving.

Side Dishes

This saucy chicken begs for something to catch every luscious drop. I adore serving it over a bed of fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or with hunks of crusty bread for dunking. Roasted vegetables or a simple salad make fresh, wholesome companions that complete the meal without overpowering the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over arugula for a showstopping salad, or serve atop creamy polenta for a cozy twist. For a rustic dinner party, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves—the colors and aroma make it irresistible centerpiece. Any extra sauce is perfect for drizzling over veggies or grains.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container once cooled. The Balsamic Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen with a little time to meld.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken breasts in their sauce for up to two months. For best texture, I recommend freezing without the tomatoes or garnishes, and adding fresh ones when you reheat. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming through.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave—just cover and heat in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I make this Balsamic Chicken Recipe with bone-in chicken?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs or drumsticks add even more flavor and work well, just remember you’ll need to extend the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Is it possible to make Balsamic Chicken Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the butter for more olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and the dish will still turn out delicious and full of flavor.

Can I use other vegetables instead of tomatoes?

Definitely—try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini for a fresh twist while still letting the balsamic sauce shine.

What is the best way to thicken the sauce?

Let the sauce simmer an extra minute or two after adding the broth and vinegar. If you want it even thicker, stir in a cornstarch slurry (just 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) at the end and simmer until glossy.

How can I reduce the sodium for this Balsamic Chicken Recipe?

To lower the sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt. Fresh herbs add so much flavor that you won’t even miss the extra saltiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a new star to your dinner rotation, this Balsamic Chicken Recipe will never let you down—it’s easy, packed with flavor, and sure to impress anyone who tries it. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite!

Balsamic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Balsamic Chicken recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then smothered in a luscious balsamic glaze with hints of garlic and honey. A quick and easy stovetop dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish the dish: Add cherry tomatoes if using, cook for 2 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh herbs.