Honey-Glazed Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-seared chicken with a sticky-sweet balsamic-honey glaze, paired with tender asparagus roasted to perfection. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, asparagus, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken breasts dry, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp dijon mustard, then simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Toss 16 oz trimmed asparagus with 1 tsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 12 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Slice chicken and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately with roasted asparagus and a squeeze of juice from 1/2 lemon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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