Sautéed Chicken with Aged Balsamic and Roasted Garlic

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

Pan-seared and finished with a rich aged balsamic reduction paired with roasted garlic. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, aged balsamic vinegar, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 6 whole garlic cloves on a small baking tray, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast for 25 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside resting on a plate. Add 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar and 2 fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the balsamic for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and reduces to a syrupy glaze.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and stir into the balsamic glaze.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to the pan and coat with the glaze for 1 minute. Serve chicken topped with garlic-balsamic sauce and thyme sprigs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Aged Balsamic and Roasted Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Sautéed Chicken with Aged Balsamic and Roasted Garlic?

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 aged balsamic vinegar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Aged Balsamic and Roasted Garlic?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Aged Balsamic and Roasted Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken with Aged Balsamic and Roasted Garlic?

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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