Description
This Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of flour and Italian seasoning, pan-seared to a golden brown, and then simmered in a rich, tangy balsamic vinegar sauce enhanced with garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s a quick and delicious dinner option perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Julienne-cut fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces, ensuring even cooking and a tender texture.
- Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and generous pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in this mixture, coating all sides evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the coated chicken in the hot pan and cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a dark golden-brown crust forms. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic along with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 30 to 60 seconds to develop a roux.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Slowly stir in the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, honey, and Dijon mustard, along with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and let it cook gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Nestle the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan with the sauce and warm through for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh julienne-cut basil, serve with your favorite side such as potato wedges, and enjoy this flavorful balsamic chicken dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Adjust honey to taste for more or less sweetness in the sauce.
- Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables and potato wedges for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic; cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American