Vanilla Balsamic Chicken
Experience a delightful twist on classic flavors with this Vanilla Balsamic Chicken recipe, a perfect balance of savory and sweet that’s sure to elevate your weeknight dinner game. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, glossy sauce made with balsamic vinegar, honey, and an unexpected hint of vanilla extract for a subtle, aromatic sweetness. Enhanced by the warmth of garlic and a garnish of fresh thyme, this dish is both elegant and approachable, ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep time. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Ideal for those looking for a unique chicken recipe that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.333 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, vanilla extract, honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour the balsamic-vanilla mixture into the skillet. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
406 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.0 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 148 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 620 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 54.4 g | 109% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 31 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 485 mg | 10% | |
*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.
