Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece, where sweet, tangy balsamic glaze meets perfectly seared chicken and caramelized apples. This Sweet Balsamic Apple Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests marvel at your culinary skills. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a gourmet dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 apples (sliced), 1 tsp thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for cooking the chicken.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a nice color to the chicken.
- Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from heat and pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Arrange the sliced apples around the chicken in the skillet, allowing them to soak up some of the glaze.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the sweet balsamic glaze and topped with the roasted apple slices. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Searing Secrets: Pat your chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
- Glaze Perfection: Whisk your balsamic and honey mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, even glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape during roasting.
- Resting Matters: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Skillet Choice: Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet for even heat distribution and a seamless stovetop-to-oven transition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 228kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
