Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or any small gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the balsamic vinegar adds a unique flavor that enhances the chicken perfectly. Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be served with various sides, making it a hit with family and friends.
How to Make Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1-inch thickness)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Pound the chicken breasts down to 1-inch thickness and season them with salt and pepper. Add them to the heated oil and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
- Flip the chicken breasts over, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should register at 165˚F.
- Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside, keeping them covered.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the diced onions and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until very soft. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Mix in Italian seasoning, sugar, and balsamic vinegar; cook for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in the chicken broth. Continue to whisk and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Increase the heat to high and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid reduces a bit.
- Lower the heat to medium and whisk in the cream. Keep whisking for about 30 seconds so that the sauce doesn’t start to boil.
- Let the sauce come to a simmer and add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or just until the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken as it stands. Garnish with basil and serve.
How to Serve Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts
Serve Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The creamy balsamic sauce pairs well with starches, enhancing the overall flavor of your meal. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a complete dish.
How to Store Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts
To store, let the chicken cool down completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing the chicken along with the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet. These bits add extra flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar to suit your taste; if you like a tangier flavor, add a bit more.
Variation
For a healthier version, you can use skinless turkey breasts instead of chicken. You can also experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, but cooking times will vary. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so make sure to check the internal temperature for doneness.
2. What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat gently before serving to maintain the flavor and texture.
Enjoy making this easy yet scrumptious Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1-inch thickness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley For garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Pound the chicken breasts down to 1-inch thickness and season them with salt and pepper. Add them to the heated oil and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
- Flip the chicken breasts over, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should register at 165˚F.
- Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside, keeping them covered.
Making the Sauce
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the diced onions and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until very soft. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Mix in Italian seasoning, sugar, and balsamic vinegar; cook for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in the chicken broth. Continue to whisk and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Increase the heat to high and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid reduces a bit.
- Lower the heat to medium and whisk in the cream. Keep whisking for about 30 seconds so that the sauce doesn’t start to boil.
- Let the sauce come to a simmer and add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or just until the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken as it stands. Garnish with basil and serve.
