This Easy Honey Balsamic Chicken is one of those simple dinners that feels fancy without requiring much effort. The balsamic vinegar adds tangy depth, while the honey balances it out with just enough sweetness for a flavorful glaze that pairs perfectly with chicken.
I love making this in a cast iron skillet because it gives the chicken a beautiful golden sear and a little char around the edges. It's an easy weeknight dinner that works well with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a simple side salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight chicken dinner
- Sweet and savory flavor
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Ready in about 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, halved
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Honey Balsamic Chicken
First, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Add the chicken and coat evenly in the marinade. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet or large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Remove from heat and spoon any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken goes great with:
- Steamed rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Garlic green beans
- Simple salad
- Pasta
- Roasted broccoli
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to help keep the chicken juicy. You can also microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work really well in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy.
Can I bake this instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes - you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
Is honey balsamic chicken sweet?
It has a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor. The balsamic vinegar keeps it from tasting overly sweet.
Honey Balsamic Chicken
Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey balsamic sauce with garlic and herbs. This easy skillet chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with rice, vegetables, pasta, or potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, halved
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and coat evenly with the marinade. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until browned and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Spoon any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
- Boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and stay extra juicy.
- If the balsamic sauce begins reducing too quickly, add a splash of water to the pan.
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: ¼ recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 291Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 86mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 35g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
Pin for later!
Scarlet says
This honey balsamic chicken recipe looks great! Perfect way to add flavor and those thighs look cooked so well with just a bit of tasty char. Yum! Pinning to try soon!
tinatsai says
Thank you!! I actually used Chicken Breast in this recipe, but Thighs would work just as well! 🙂
Donny says
Always looking for fast chicken recipes for weeknights. This is so perfect!
Megan Stevens says
I love how easy and delicious this chicken recipe is. Balsamic and honey go so great with chicken thighs.
Kelly says
Everything about this chicken is SO GOOD! Tender, juicy and that delicious honey balsamic!!