Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic and Roasted Garlic Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and topped with a rich balsamic reduction infused with roasted garlic for a flavorful, elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place 4 garlic cloves on a piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and wrap tightly. Roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each), season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash; stir into the balsamic sauce along with 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Serve chicken breasts drizzled generously with the balsamic roasted garlic sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic and Roasted Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic and Roasted Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic and Roasted Garlic Sauce?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic and Roasted Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic and Roasted Garlic Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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