Cherry Balsamic Holiday Glazed Chicken Bites

A festive, glossy chicken dish coated in a sweet-tangy cherry balsamic glaze. These tender bites are rich, flavorful, and perfect for any holiday table. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a warm and elegant seasonal meal.

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Cherry Balsamic Glaze:
1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen), pitted
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Balsamic Glaze
In the same skillet, add the cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic, and rosemary. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing the cherries to soften and the mixture to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 additional minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Glaze
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes, letting the sauce cling to the chicken and become glossy and rich.

Step 4: Serve
Plate the chicken bites and spoon extra cherry balsamic glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve warm with rice, roasted vegetables, or holiday side dishes.

Kitchen Tips

Frozen cherries work beautifully and melt directly into the glaze.
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and moisture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat kick.
Double the glaze if serving over mashed potatoes or rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories 310, Protein 29g, Carbohydrates 32g, Fiber 1g, Net Carbohydrates 31g, Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 95mg, Sodium 630mg, Sugars 26g, Glycemic Index Low