Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Skillet

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken was a total game-changer for my weeknight dinner routine.

I wanted something that felt elegant but didn’t require a ton of effort—and the result was this bold, beautiful skillet dish.

Juicy chicken is pan-seared to perfection and coated in a glossy cherry balsamic glaze that’s tangy, sweet, and just rich enough to make it feel fancy.

It’s the kind of meal that impresses without stress.

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Recipe Highlights

Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a one-pan wonder. The deep flavor of balsamic vinegar reduces into a syrupy glaze, while fresh cherries provide natural sweetness and gorgeous color.

This dish is not only delicious—it’s eye-catching and versatile enough for date night or casual entertaining.

• Juicy chicken thighs or breasts in a flavorful glaze
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• Balanced sweet-tart flavor from cherries and balsamic
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• Elegant but easy—done in about 30 minutes
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• Great use for fresh cherries in a savory way
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• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and forgiving, but breasts work too—don’t overcook them.
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• Fresh Cherries: Use sweet cherries, pitted and halved. Their juicy, bright flavor balances the richness of the glaze.
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• Balsamic Vinegar: Reduces into a sticky, tangy glaze and pairs beautifully with cherries and chicken.
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• Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds just a touch of sweetness to round out the balsamic’s acidity.
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• Shallot: Milder than onion, shallot adds a savory base to the glaze without overpowering it.
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• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and soften the shallots.
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• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every layer of flavor.

How to Make My Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken
   Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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2. Sear the Chicken
   Sear chicken thighs or breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate.
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3. Make the Glaze
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and sauté the shallot in a bit more olive oil until soft. Add cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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4. Return Chicken & Coat
   Return the chicken to the pan and spoon glaze over the top. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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5. Serve Warm
   Serve the chicken topped with extra glaze and fresh herbs if desired.

Vibrant Flavors of Cherry Balsamic Chicken

This dish showcases boneless & skinless chicken thighs, perfectly seared and glazed in a rich cherry balsamic sauce.

The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a delightful experience for the palate.

Using high-quality ingredients such as olive oil, salt, pepper, and finely chopped shallots, this recipe elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special.

The addition of pitted and halved fresh cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Quick Preparation and Cooking

One of the standout features of this recipe is its efficiency. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.

The process begins with seasoning the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-prepared for cooking.

Once seasoned, the chicken is seared in olive oil until golden brown, creating a beautiful crust that locks in moisture.

This step is crucial for achieving tender and juicy meat.

Creating the Cherry Balsamic Glaze

After the chicken is cooked, the next step involves sautéing finely chopped shallots in the same skillet.

This not only adds flavor but also utilizes the fond left from the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Next, fresh cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey are added to the skillet. The mixture is stirred and allowed to thicken, transforming into a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken thighs.

Finishing Touches

Once the glaze reaches the desired consistency, the chicken thighs are returned to the skillet.

They are coated in the cherry balsamic sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

This final step takes just a few minutes and allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the glaze, making it even more irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

For an inviting presentation, plate the glazed chicken thighs and spoon the cherry sauce over the top.

Garnish with fresh cherries and finely chopped shallots for a pop of color and freshness.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, creating a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

A fork placed beside the plate invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the delightful flavors.

Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic cauliflower mash
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• A crisp green salad with arugula, feta, and walnuts
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• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
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• Buttery rice pilaf or couscous

Nutritional Information

This Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Skillet serves four and offers a nutritious option for dinner.

Each serving contains approximately 390 calories, with 14g of fat and 26g of protein, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

Tips for the Best Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture. Be sure not to over-reduce the glaze—it should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.

A splash of chicken broth or water can thin it if needed. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing to keep it juicy, and spoon that cherry glaze generously over the top just before serving.

Storage of Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze.

Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the texture of the sauce.