This Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Cherry Sauce is, without a doubt, one of our favorite grilled chicken recipes. While I love anything with balsamic vinegar, my husband is lukewarm on it. That said, he loved this chicken.
Of course, the balsamic cherry sauce just makes this dish. I absolutely love when cherries are in season, and I usually just eat them fresh. This savory use for cherries is really fun and absolutely delicious.
This would be a great date night in dinner and also a really impressive dish to serve guests. You can definitely make the sauce ahead of time, making it even easier. I served it with some grilled veggies and bread, which was optimal for making sure we got every last lick of the cherry sauce! 
Cherry-Balsamic Sauce and Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Juicy grilled chicken gets a sweet and tangy boost from a homemade cherry balsamic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast fillets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for sauce)
- 2 cups cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salt to make the marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- To make the cherry balsamic sauce, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced shallot and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add balsamic vinegar and cherries; simmer until cherries soften and the vinegar slightly reduces, about 8–10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve grilled chicken topped with the balsamic cherry sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a deeper cherry flavor, use high-quality cherry balsamic vinegar.
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates before cooking the chicken.
- Leftover grilled chicken and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the cherry-balsamic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cherry-balsamic sauce ahead of time, which will make serving the dish easier.
What type of cherries work best for the sauce?
Fresh, ripe cherries are ideal for the sauce, especially when they are in season for optimal flavor.
How should I serve the grilled chicken with the cherry sauce?
The grilled chicken pairs well with grilled veggies and bread, which are perfect for savoring the cherry sauce.
