Flavorful Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
A quick and easy fall dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry balsamic reduction that is both cozy and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries rehydrated in warm water)
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. (About 5 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside. (Total ~12 minutes)
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar, then add cranberries, brown sugar, and chicken broth or water. Stir to combine. (About 2 minutes)
- Simmer the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens to a syrupy glaze, about 8-10 minutes. Add chopped thyme towards the end. (Simmer ~10 minutes)
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon glaze over them, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to soak up flavors.
- Transfer chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining glaze.
Notes
Use fresh or well-rehydrated cranberries for best flavor. Avoid high heat to prevent burning the glaze. You can prepare the glaze ahead and reheat before glazing the chicken. For more texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving. Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a lower-sugar version. Double-check balsamic vinegar for gluten if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: cranberry balsamic glazed chicken, fall dinner, easy chicken recipe, quick weeknight meal, autumn flavors, healthy chicken dinner