![- 4 boneless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon corn starch (optional, for thickening) To make cherry glazed pork chops, you need fresh ingredients that pack flavor. I love using boneless chicken breasts for this dish. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Fresh or frozen cherries are key for that sweet-tart glaze. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. For a touch of sweetness, honey blends well with the tart cherries. Balsamic vinegar gives the glaze a nice tang. Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note. Don't forget your seasoning! Salt and pepper enhance every bite. Olive oil helps sear the chicken to perfection. If you like your glaze thick, corn starch will do the trick. You can find the full recipe [here]. To start, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. You can also try adding garlic powder or paprika for extra taste. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after seasoning. This helps the flavors soak in better. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the pitted cherries, chicken broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Stir everything well. Bring the mix to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. This helps the cherries soften and the sauce thicken slightly. If you want a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the cherry mix in the skillet. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Now, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the cherry glaze over the chicken. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up the cherry flavors. For a great finish, plate the chicken and drizzle extra glaze on top. It makes for a beautiful presentation. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a colorful meal. This dish is sure to impress! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. - Recommended skillet options: Use a heavy skillet. Cast iron or stainless steel works great. These materials heat evenly and give a nice sear. Avoid non-stick pans for this recipe; they don’t create the same flavor. - Temperature control tips: Start with medium-high heat to sear the chicken. This gives a nice brown crust. After adding the glaze, lower the heat to medium to simmer. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. - Additional spices to consider: Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for depth. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth, too. Experiment with these spices to find your favorite flavor. - Alternative sweeteners to use: If you want less sugar, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both can replace honey without losing flavor. They also add a unique twist to the glaze. - Creative serving ideas: Serve the cherry-glazed chicken on a bright plate. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. This contrast makes the meal pop visually. - Garnishing options for visual appeal: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley on top. This adds color and makes the dish look fancy. A drizzle of extra glaze around the plate can also enhance the look. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruit for the glaze. Peaches or apricots work great. You can even try apples or pineapple for a fun twist. If you want to swap chicken, use pork loin or turkey. Both pair well with cherry flavors. You can cook your cherry-glazed dish in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. It also gives nice grill marks. Pan-searing is fast and keeps the meat juicy. The oven-baking method is great for a hands-off approach. Just set it and let it cook! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth. Check the labels on your ingredients. For those wanting low-sugar options, swap honey with a sugar substitute. This will keep the glaze tasty without the extra sugar. You can find the full recipe for cherry-glazed chicken chops [Full Recipe]. To keep your cherry glazed pork chops fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge right after they cool down. This helps keep the flavors locked in. You can keep them for about three to four days. After that, the taste may fade. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing the cherry glazed pork chops is easy. Here’s how you do it: 1. Cool Down: Let the chops cool completely. 2. Wrap: Wrap each chop in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. 3. Seal: Place the wrapped chops in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. 4. Label: Write the date on the bag. This helps you track how long they’ve been frozen. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This keeps them safe and tasty. When reheating your cherry glazed pork chops, keep them moist. Here are some methods: - Microwave: Place the chops on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check if they are warm enough. Add more time if needed. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep them juicy. Place the chops in the skillet and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once. This method helps keep the glaze intact. Using these tips, you can enjoy your cherry glazed pork chops again with great flavor! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. You want to create a balanced meal with cherry glazed pork chops. Here are some great side dishes: - Creamy mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted sweet potatoes - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread These sides complement the sweet and tangy flavor of the cherry glaze. Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. - Store it in an airtight container. - Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheat it gently before using. This saves you time when you cook the pork chops. To check if the chicken is done, look for these signs: - The juices run clear when you cut into it. - The meat is no longer pink inside. - The internal temperature should reach 165°F. These checks ensure safe and tasty chicken. Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well too. - They have more fat, which adds flavor. - You may need to adjust cooking times slightly. - Cook until they reach 165°F for safety. Thighs will give a richer taste to the dish. Cherry glaze is quite versatile! Use it in these recipes: - Glazed chicken wings for a party. - Drizzle over grilled salmon for a twist. - Use it on roasted vegetables for extra flavor. - Try it with duck for a gourmet touch. Cherry glaze enhances many dishes with its sweet and tart flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! In this article, I shared how to make cherry glazed chicken. I covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and variations. You can use this recipe to impress your family and friends. Remember, using the right techniques boosts flavor and presentation. Don’t shy away from trying new fruits or cooking methods. Keep exploring and enjoy the process. With these methods, your meals will shine every time!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5ffaeec7-0425-4ede-9313-0557d228c0cf-250x250.webp)
50. Cherry Glazed Pork Chops
Discover the deliciously sweet and savory Cherry-Glazed Chicken Chops that will elevate your dinner game! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a luscious cherry glaze made from fresh cherries, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.