Description
This Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich, tangy balsamic sauce enhanced with garlic, white wine, and herbs. Topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese, it's a deliciously balanced dish served alongside arugula and glazed nuts for added crunch and freshness. Perfect for a flavorful and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Chicken, Berries, Feta, etc.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups spinach, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup blueberries, plus more for serving
- ⅓ cup diced strawberries, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For Serving
- Arugula
- Glazed pecans or almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Combine chicken broth, balsamic vinaigrette, crumbled chicken bouillon cube, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried basil, oregano, onion powder, rosemary, and cornstarch in a large measuring cup with a spout. Ensure the mixture is cool to prevent cornstarch activation. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to about ½ inch thickness. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until golden crust forms. Remove and set chicken aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Turn off the heat. Pour in the white wine and use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits from the skillet’s bottom and sides, enhancing flavor. Turn heat to medium and cook for 1 minute.
- Add butter and garlic: Stir in butter and minced garlic. Cook until wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the sauce: Pour in the sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, allowing it to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors.
- Add the spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt slightly, about 1 minute.
- Reintroduce the chicken: Place chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let the chicken warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with toppings and serve: Top chicken with blueberries, diced strawberries, and crumbled feta. Remove from heat and serve with arugula and glazed pecans or almonds alongside, adding extra berries if desired.
Notes
- Use homemade or a quality store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, like Marie's.
- Choose dry white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc; non-alcoholic options or chicken broth can substitute.
- Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce are subtle flavor enhancers that blend well.
- The dish yields ample sauce—serve with arugula to soak up the flavors, plus extra berries, feta, and glazed nuts for texture.
- Glazed or honey-roasted nuts like pecans and almonds add essential crunch; walnuts or peanuts can substitute.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months without fruit and feta.
- The recipe is ideal for four servings and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg