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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
