Here is my favorite creamy balsamic chicken recipe, with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, tangy balsamic sauce that’s made with cream, garlic, and fresh herbs.
This creamy balsamic chicken is what I make when I want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever to cook. My kids actually ask for seconds, which is saying something since they’re pretty picky eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Balsamic Chicken
- Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home – The creamy balsamic sauce creates a rich, tangy flavor that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
- One-pan meal – Everything cooks together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious dinner.
- Impressive but simple – This dish looks and tastes fancy enough for guests, but it’s actually straightforward to make with basic cooking techniques.
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Options for Substitutions
Since the ingredient list isn’t available, here are some common substitutions you might consider for a creamy balsamic chicken recipe:
- Chicken breasts: You can easily swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs, which will give you more flavor and stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
- Balsamic vinegar: If you’re out of balsamic, try red wine vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar, or use apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end also works well.
- Fresh herbs: Dried herbs work fine if you don’t have fresh ones – just use about 1/3 the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making creamy balsamic chicken is adding the cream too early or at too high heat, which can cause it to curdle and ruin your smooth sauce – always reduce the heat to low before stirring in any dairy.
Another common error is using cheap balsamic vinegar, which lacks the depth of flavor needed for this dish, so invest in a decent bottle or reduce regular balsamic vinegar by half to concentrate its taste.
Don’t forget to pound your chicken to an even thickness before cooking, as this ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender, and always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep the juices from running out when you slice it.
Finally, taste your sauce before serving and adjust the balance – you might need a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity or a splash more cream to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
What to Serve With Creamy Balsamic Chicken?
This rich and tangy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete with those bold balsamic flavors. I love serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta since they soak up all that delicious sauce perfectly. A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans adds a nice fresh contrast to the creamy dish. For something lighter, try it alongside a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette, or serve it over rice or pasta if you want something more filling.
Storage Instructions
Store: This creamy balsamic chicken keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually get even better after sitting overnight, so it’s perfect for meal prep. I like to store the chicken and sauce together so everything stays moist and flavorful.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just make sure to let it cool completely first, and leave a little room at the top for expansion. I find it works best to freeze individual portions so you can thaw just what you need.
Reheat: Warm it up gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave on 50% power, stirring every minute or so. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 0-0
- Protein: 0-0 g
- Fat: 0-0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-0 g
Ingredients
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools for your recipe.
This preparation step will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash, chop, measure, and prepare all ingredients as needed according to your recipe.
Proper preparation ensures that everything is ready for the following cooking steps.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Following the recipe instructions, mix or blend the prepared ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
Step 4: Cook or Bake the Mixture
Cook or bake the combined mixture using the specified method, cooking times, and temperatures provided in your recipe.
I like to monitor the food closely during this stage to prevent overcooking or burning.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Use the recommended techniques from your recipe—such as a skewer test, taste test, or visual cues—to check if the dish is fully cooked.
Step 6: Rest or Cool the Dish
If the recipe requires, allow the dish to cool or rest before serving.
Resting can help improve the texture and flavor of many dishes.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the finished dish as suggested in the recipe.
You can add complementary sides or garnishes to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Rich Creamy Balsamic Chicken
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools for your recipe. This preparation step will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Wash, chop, measure, and prepare all ingredients as needed according to your recipe. Proper preparation ensures that everything is ready for the following cooking steps.
- Following the recipe instructions, mix or blend the prepared ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
- Cook or bake the combined mixture using the specified method, cooking times, and temperatures provided in your recipe. I like to monitor the food closely during this stage to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Use the recommended techniques from your recipe—such as a skewer test, taste test, or visual cues—to check if the dish is fully cooked.
- If the recipe requires, allow the dish to cool or rest before serving. Resting can help improve the texture and flavor of many dishes.
- Serve the finished dish as suggested in the recipe. You can add complementary sides or garnishes to enhance the presentation and flavor.
