There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines rich, bold flavors with minimal effort, and this Balsamic Glazed Chicken does just that. Whether you’re planning a slow-cooked meal for a busy day or need a quick dinner whipped up on the stove, this recipe has you covered. The tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with the subtle kick of Dijon mustard and fragrant Italian herbs, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. Plus, the tender chicken breasts are coated in a glossy, thickened glaze that’s perfect for drizzling over a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility and simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without the stress of complex techniques or endless preparation. Whether you opt for the slow cooker method, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, or the stove-top version for a quicker turnaround, this Balsamic Glazed Chicken is sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight family dinners or a cozy dinner party with friends, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time:
Slow Cooker: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Stove Top: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
240ml balsamic vinegar
120ml chicken stock
50g brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 tablespoons water
Optional: fresh rosemary for garnish
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Slow Cooker Method
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, brown sugar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over them.
3. Cook
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C).
4. Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve
Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the thickened sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve hot.
Stove Top Method
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, brown sugar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the prepared sauce to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C).
5. Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Mix the cornflour with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Serve
Coat the chicken in the thickened sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
1. For best results, use high-quality balsamic vinegar
2. Don’t lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time
3. If sauce is too thin, add more cornflour; if too thick, add a bit of chicken broth
4. Check chicken with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C)
5. For extra flavor, brown the chicken briefly in a pan before adding to the slow cooker
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Can be frozen for up to 3 months
Nutritional Notes:
This dish is:
High in protein
Low in fat (when using skinless chicken breasts)
Contains no dairy
Gluten-free (verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed)
Optional Add-ins:
Sliced onions
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano
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