Monarch Valley Cherry Glazed Chicken
Tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, sweet-tart cherry glaze, inspired by the intricate details of antique cherry wood furniture. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless halves (1.5 lbs total) chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 chicken breast halves with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium-high until shimmering, add chicken, and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, transfer to plate.
- Step 2: In same skillet, combine 1/2 cup cherry preserves, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until sauce thickens and coats spoon (3-4 minutes).
- Step 3: Return chicken to skillet, coat evenly with glaze, and cook 1-2 minutes until glossy and heated through. Serve immediately with extra sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Monarch Valley Cherry Glazed Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Monarch Valley Cherry Glazed Chicken?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Monarch Valley Cherry Glazed Chicken?
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 Monarch Valley Cherry Glazed Chicken 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 Monarch Valley Cherry Glazed Chicken?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this monarch are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this monarch are incredible.