Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts (Pan Fried)

If you’re in the mood for a simple yet flavorful dinner, look no further than Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts. Picture this: chicken breasts perfectly seared in a hot pan, infused with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary, and finished off with a tangy balsamic glaze. The combination of savory, sweet, and herbaceous flavors makes each bite absolutely irresistible. And the best part? It’s so quick and easy to prepare, you can enjoy a delicious, gourmet-style dinner without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken and bold, aromatic flavors, with just the right amount of sweetness from the balsamic vinegar. Trust me, this is a recipe you’re going to want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts (Pan Fried)

Flavorful
The balsamic vinegar creates a rich, tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with the fresh rosemary. The result is a chicken breast that’s juicy, flavorful, and bursting with layers of taste.

Quick and Easy
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques or hours in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels gourmet yet is simple enough for any night of the week.

Perfectly Moist Chicken
Pan-frying the chicken helps seal in its juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. Plus, the rosemary and balsamic glaze add just the right amount of flavor without being overpowering.

Customizable
Love garlic? Add a little extra for a deeper flavor. Prefer your balsamic glaze a bit sweeter? Just adjust the amount of honey. This recipe is easy to tweak to your preferences.

Great for Meal Prep
This chicken is delicious on its own or served with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You can even use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps!

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Ingredients in Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts (Pan Fried)

Chicken Breasts
The main event—boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for pan-frying and soaking up all those bold flavors.

Fresh Rosemary
The fresh, fragrant herb that brings an earthy, aromatic flavor to the dish. It’s a must for the Balsamic Rosemary Chicken.

Balsamic Vinegar
This is the star of the sauce, offering a rich tang and slight sweetness that balances out the savory chicken.

Honey
A touch of honey adds a natural sweetness to the glaze, helping to balance the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar.

Garlic
For that subtle savory depth and a little extra punch. Garlic and rosemary are a match made in heaven.

Olive Oil
Used for frying the chicken, it adds a light, smooth texture and helps crisp up the chicken’s exterior.

Salt and Pepper
For seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and rosemary.

Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them sear better in the pan. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Make the Balsamic Glaze

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Finish the Dish

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the balsamic glaze over the top. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken breasts with a drizzle of the balsamic glaze from the pan. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~280 (varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

How to Serve Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts (Pan Fried)

With Roasted Vegetables
Pair this flavorful chicken with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or asparagus. The rich glaze will complement the roasted veggies beautifully.

Over Rice
Serve the chicken on a bed of white, brown, or cauliflower rice. The rice will soak up the balsamic glaze and add a hearty element to the dish.

With a Fresh Salad
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

With Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are always a great pairing with pan-fried chicken. The velvety potatoes will balance out the tangy balsamic sauce.

In a Sandwich
For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken and place it in a sandwich roll with some fresh greens, mozzarella, and a drizzle of the balsamic glaze.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
To get a nice sear on your chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.

Adjust the Glaze
If you like a thicker glaze, simply let the sauce simmer a bit longer. If you prefer it more tangy, reduce the honey a little.

Use Fresh Rosemary
Fresh rosemary will give you the best flavor for this recipe. Dried rosemary can work in a pinch, but fresh really brings out the fragrance.

Check for Doneness
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F.

Double the Glaze
If you love the balsamic glaze, feel free to double the recipe. You can drizzle it over the chicken as it cooks and even serve extra on the side.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and make the glaze ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in the glaze.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A2: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work great for this recipe and offer a bit more flavor and tenderness.

Q3: Can I make this dish in the oven?
A3: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze once it’s out of the oven.

Q4: Can I make the glaze without honey?
A4: If you prefer a more tangy glaze, you can omit the honey or substitute it with maple syrup or agave for a slightly different flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid drying it out.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and balsamic glaze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q7: What sides go well with Balsamic Rosemary Chicken?
A7: This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a quinoa salad.

Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Just make sure to double-check any packaged items like chicken broth.

Q9: Can I make this recipe without balsamic vinegar?
A9: You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile, though it will be less sweet and tangy.

Q10: How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
A10: If you want crispy chicken, coat the breasts in a light layer of flour before frying, and make sure the pan is well-heated before adding the chicken.

Conclusion

Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts (Pan Fried) is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can come together to create something truly amazing. With tender, juicy chicken, an aromatic rosemary flavor, and a rich balsamic glaze, it’s a dish that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal in a flash, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!

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Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts (Pan Fried)


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Breasts are pan-fried to perfection with a tangy balsamic glaze and aromatic rosemary. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (for deglazing)
  • Optional: Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using), stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add the chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes until thickened slightly.
  6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them in the balsamic rosemary sauce. Let them cook in the sauce for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  7. Serve the chicken breasts with the sauce poured over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Notes

  • For a stronger balsamic flavor, add a bit more vinegar or reduce the sauce for longer to concentrate the flavors.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water during the simmering step.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce!
  • This recipe can also be made on the grill for a smoky variation of balsamic rosemary chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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