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Flavorful Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe with Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

balsamic glazed chicken - featured image

A simple yet elegant meal featuring juicy chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction, paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 2 tbsp for potatoes, 1 tbsp for chicken)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and dried rosemary or thyme if using.
  3. Spread sweet potatoes evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and edges are slightly crisp.
  4. While potatoes roast, pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes until glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  8. If using, stir in butter for richness at the end of glaze cooking.
  9. Return chicken to skillet, spoon glaze over each piece. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and glaze is caramelized.
  10. Serve chicken immediately with roasted sweet potatoes, spooning extra glaze over the top.

Notes

If glaze thickens too much before adding chicken, add a tablespoon of water to loosen. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding pan when roasting potatoes or searing chicken to prevent steaming. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking. For dairy-free glaze, omit butter or replace with olive oil. Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried or added at the end for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, balsamic vinegar chicken, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free dinner