Description
This Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken pan-fried to golden perfection and glazed with a flavorful balsamic vinegar, fresh rosemary, and garlic sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a harmonious balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and help form a nice crust during cooking.
- Prepare the Balsamic Rosemary Mixture: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, finely chopped rosemary, minced garlic, and honey if using. Stir well to mix the flavors, which will become the glaze for the chicken.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side without moving, until the underside is golden brown and the chicken releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Add Sauce: Turn the chicken breasts over to the other side. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, pour the balsamic rosemary mixture into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken repeatedly to baste and allow it to reduce slightly, coating the chicken with a glossy glaze.
- Check for Doneness and Rest: Ensure the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts if desired, spoon extra reduced sauce from the pan over the top, and serve immediately with your preferred sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the balsamic rosemary mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Using fresh rosemary provides the best aroma and taste, but dried rosemary is a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the honey quantity or omit it entirely to control the sweetness according to your preference.
