Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. This Garlic Chicken Fillets in Balsamic Vinegar recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that combines the rich, tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar with the bold punch of garlic. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a show-stopping dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken fillets by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- Season both sides of the chicken fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring they are uniform in size for even flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken fillets into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear and develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the vinegar to simmer and slightly reduce.
- Continue cooking the chicken for an additional 8-10 minutes, occasionally spooning the balsamic sauce over the fillets.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Spoon the remaining balsamic garlic sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the most robust flavor - the difference is noticeable!
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process - 30 seconds is perfect to release flavor without burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the balsamic sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain the right consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
