Name: Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Four 6-ounce (or larger) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1½ teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup water; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 teaspoons honey; 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces; Spinach (optional)

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit fancy but is surprisingly simple, this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. I absolutely love how the tangy balsamic vinegar perfectly balances with a touch of honey and butter, creating a glossy, rich glaze that your chicken just soaks right into. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to make something that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. Stick around and I’ll share everything you need to nail this delicious dish at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Quick and Easy: You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar create a glaze that’s both rich and bright.
Minimal Ingredients Required: You probably already have most things in your pantry for this recipe.
Great for Leftovers: The glaze keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, even after reheating.

A grilled chicken piece with a golden-brown color and visible herbs on top sits in the center of a white plate. Underneath the chicken, there is a layer of bright green cooked spinach leaves spread evenly. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a partially visible yellow and white cloth nearby. The chicken looks juicy with a slight glaze from the herbs and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Balsamic Glazed Chicken, balsamic glazed chicken dinner, easy balsamic chicken recipe, flavorful chicken with balsamic glaze, quick chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a truly delicious meal. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each is important!

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged symmetrically, a small white bowl with dried thyme, another small white bowl with coarse salt, a third small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing clear water, a small white bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl holding golden honey, several small chunks of pale yellow butter neatly placed on the side, fresh green spinach leaves loosely gathered on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced layout, perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Balsamic Glazed Chicken, balsamic glazed chicken dinner, easy balsamic chicken recipe, flavorful chicken with balsamic glaze, quick chicken recipes

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like using 6-ounce breasts because they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Dried thyme (or fresh): Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweet and tangy glaze perfectly.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly and bringing out the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully without overpowering the glaze’s flavor.
Water: Used to deglaze the pan and help reduce the balsamic glaze.
Balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient – choose a good quality vinegar for the best flavor.
Honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with just the right amount of sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps thicken the glaze into that lovely glossy finish.
Spinach (optional): For serving – fresh spinach adds a nice green balance and freshness to the plate.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe my own by switching up ingredients depending on what I have on hand, and I encourage you to personalize it too. You’ll find little tweaks can make it even more fun and fitting for your taste.

Herb Twist: I sometimes swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note—it’s amazing how just a small change makes the dish feel new.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze if you like a bit of heat; it gives the sweet glaze a lovely contrast.
Vegetarian Version: Try this glaze on roasted portobello mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based spin I’ve had success with.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream or mascarpone at the end if you want a luscious, creamy glaze.

How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken

First, mix together your thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat this all over both sides of your chicken breasts; this step really locks in flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—it’s crucial not to rush this, so wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. Add the chicken and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until each side is beautifully browned. Don’t move it around too much here, or you’ll lose that golden crust! Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while you make your glaze.

Step 2: Make That Incredible Balsamic Glaze

With the skillet still warm, add the water, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir constantly as you bring this mixture to a boil. This is where the magic happens—the glaze will start thickening and reduce by about half in just a couple of minutes. You’re aiming for a syrupy consistency. When it looks just right, add the butter pieces and stir until melted, giving this glaze a silky, rich finish.

Step 3: Simmer Chicken in the Glaze

Turn the heat to medium-low, then return your chicken breasts to the pan, spooning some glaze over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes. This gentle cooking lets the chicken soak up the flavors without drying out. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the glaze has thickened nicely, coating your chicken with that irresistible shine.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken drizzled generously with the balsamic glaze. If you like, wilt some fresh spinach in the pan juices for a quick, healthy side that complements the richness perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sear: Getting a good brown crust on the chicken adds tremendous flavor and texture—so be patient and let it develop.
Quality Balsamic Matters: Using a decent balsamic vinegar really lifts this dish; cheaper vinegars can taste too sharp or lack depth.
Watch the Glaze Thickness: Don’t over-reduce or it can burn and become bitter; aim for syrupy but still pourable.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Let the chicken rest covered after searing; finishing it gently in the glaze keeps it juicy and tender.

How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two main layers: the bottom layer is dark green cooked spinach with a soft, slightly shiny texture, spread evenly to cover the plate's base. On top of the spinach lies a larger piece of golden-brown grilled chicken breast with some black seasoning bits visible, showing a slightly crispy surface. A woman's hand is holding a fork that picks up a smaller piece of the chicken, revealing the light, tender inner part of the meat. The plate rests on a yellow and white striped cloth, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Balsamic Glazed Chicken, balsamic glazed chicken dinner, easy balsamic chicken recipe, flavorful chicken with balsamic glaze, quick chicken recipes

Garnishes

I often sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving—it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds add a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the glaze’s richness.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve alongside this balsamic glazed chicken are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple garlic sautéed green beans. If you want something lighter, a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the glaze beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta, then drizzling the balsamic glaze artistically around the plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens gives it that special occasion wow factor. You can even serve the chicken sliced over crostini for a sophisticated appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover balsamic glazed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and glaze together helps it soak up more flavor overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

Freezing leftover chicken is totally doable—I portion it out and freeze in freezer-safe containers with some glaze left on top. When you thaw and reheat, the chicken stays moist and delicious without drying out as long as you reheat gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covered, to keep the glaze from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can because the chicken can get rubbery. A slow, gentle warm-up preserves the flavor and texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this balsamic glazed chicken recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully because they stay juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as usual.
Is this balsamic glaze recipe very sweet?

The glaze strikes a nice balance of sweet and tangy thanks to the honey and balsamic vinegar. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey slightly without compromising the flavor too much.
Can I prepare the balsamic glaze ahead of time?

You can make the glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for a couple of days, then gently warm it before adding the chicken. However, it’s best to combine with the chicken last minute to keep that fresh, glossy finish.
What sides work best with balsamic glazed chicken?

Simple veggies like sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or green beans are fabulous. Creamy sides like mashed potatoes or polenta also complement the rich glaze beautifully, but feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

This balsamic glazed chicken recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it feels special without needing hours in the kitchen. I love surprising friends and family with how effortlessly delicious it is. You’ll find it’s a great recipe to keep in your dinner rotation for days when you want something impressive but quick. Trust me, once you try it, this is going to be the recipe you tell everyone about. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!