Balsamic Thyme Chicken

Tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavors, Balsamic Thyme Chicken is a weeknight dinner game-changer that combines simplicity with gourmet flair. This quick and easy recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a savory blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, and fresh thyme, creating a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and earthy herbaceousness. The chicken is beautifully seared to golden perfection, locking in flavor, while an optional pan sauce made with chicken broth adds a luxurious finishing touch. Ready in just 40 minutes from prep to plate, this versatile dish pairs seamlessly with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or need a satisfying meal for the family, Balsamic Thyme Chicken is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup chicken broth (optional for pan sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if necessary, pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, fresh thyme leaves, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. If using a skillet, lightly grease it with a teaspoon of olive oil.

Step 5

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off, and place them in the hot skillet or grill pan. Discard the used marinade.

Step 6

Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7

If making a pan sauce, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Add the optional chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Let the broth reduce for 2-3 minutes, creating a light sauce.

Step 8

Serve the Balsamic Thyme Chicken warm, drizzled with the optional pan sauce if desired. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	896.9 grams (896.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1666

Total Fat 67.30g	86%
Saturated Fat 13.50g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 3110mg	135%
Total Carbohydrate 32.10g	12%
Dietary Fiber 1.00g	4%
Total Sugars 26.30g
Protein 217.40g	435%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 142mg	11%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 2004mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.8%

Protein: 54.2%

Carbs: 8.0%