Braised Chicken with Caramelized Balsamic-Brown Sugar Glaze
This delightful recipe for Braised Chicken with Caramelized Balsamic-Brown Sugar Glaze promises a scrumptious and sophisticated meal, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its unique combination of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, enhanced by the aromatic richness of shallots and garlic, this dish delivers a flavorful experience that transforms simple chicken breasts into an extraordinary entree. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable dish, which pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke, divided
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to infuse a smoky depth into the dish.
2. Sauté Shallots and Garlic:
- Add the finely chopped shallots to the skillet. Sauté them until they turn a golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. After the shallots are golden, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Brown the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once, until they are nicely browned on both sides.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
- Add 1 cup of water to the skillet, stirring to incorporate any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute.
5. Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, arranging them skin side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for about 35 minutes. This slow cooking will ensure the chicken becomes tender and flavorful, and the garlic will soften beautifully.
6. Prepare the Caramelized Glaze:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the balsamic vinegar, remaining 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
7. Glaze the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to soak in the rich, caramelized glaze. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure it is well coated with the sauce. The glaze should begin to caramelize and adhere to the chicken, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.
8. Final Touches:
- Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the braised chicken hot, generously drizzled with the caramelized balsamic-brown sugar glaze.
Serving Suggestions
For a truly indulgent meal, serve this braised chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes will soak up the rich, flavorful sauce, making each bite an irresistible delight. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad would also complement the dish beautifully, adding freshness and texture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 394.4 per serving
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 11.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 123.3 milligrams
- Sodium: 199.4 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 9.9 grams
- Fiber: 0.1 grams
- Sugar: 6.9 grams
- Protein: 30.9 grams
Tips and Variations
- For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, continue to simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Be cautious not to let it reduce too much, as it can become overly sweet and sticky.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet during the last 15 minutes of cooking. They will absorb the flavors of the glaze and add extra layers of taste and texture to the dish.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces may take a bit longer to cook through.
Enjoy this flavorful and elegant Braised Chicken with Caramelized Balsamic-Brown Sugar Glaze, a dish that effortlessly combines rich and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness for a truly memorable meal. 🍗🍷🥔
