Description
A quick and flavorful pan-cooked chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction, enhanced by thyme and honey. Perfect for a wholesome dinner served over spinach or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- Four 6-ounce (or larger) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Glaze
- â…“ cup water
- ÂĽ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
To Serve
- Spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pat the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure the flavor is well distributed.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until nicely browned. Flip and brown the other side similarly. Remove the chicken from the skillet, transfer to a plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In the same skillet, add water, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the honey and blend the flavors. Let it boil for about 2 minutes or until it reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy.
- Add Butter and Return Chicken: Lower the heat to medium-low, stir in the butter until melted and integrated into the glaze. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them.
- Cook in Glaze: Let the chicken cook in the glaze for about 3 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for another 3 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and the glaze has thickened.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and drizzle with the balsamic glaze from the pan. Optionally, serve over a bed of fresh spinach for a vibrant, nutritious accompaniment.
Notes
- A simple, elegant recipe that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick and satisfying.
- Using fresh thyme can enhance the flavor, but dried thyme works just as well.
- The balsamic glaze can be used as a versatile sauce for other proteins or vegetables.
- Spinach is optional but adds a fresh and healthy touch to the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 543 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg
