Spicy Cherry Glazed Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this bold and flavorful Spicy Cherry Glazed Chicken. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are perfectly seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a tantalizing glaze made from sweet cherries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a kick of red chili flakes. The sweet-and-spicy balance paired with a hint of smoky paprika creates a rich, complex flavor profile that’s both irresistible and unforgettable. This one-skillet recipe is ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights while still impressing your guests or loved ones. Serve this dish with a side of fluffy rice or roasted vegetables, and don’t forget the fresh parsley garnish for a touch of brightness. Perfect for those searching for an easy yet refined chicken dinner with a sweet and spicy twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups Sweet cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the pitted cherries, honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and red chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down slightly and release their juices.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the cherry sauce and stir well. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the cherry glaze over the chicken, and lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C).
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm with your choice of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
506 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.6 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 891 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.6 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.9 g | ||
| Protein | 41.5 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 49 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 724 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
