Boldly marrying sweet cherries and tangy balsamic glaze, these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers deliver a high-protein, fiber-rich meal that’s ready in under an hour. Prep is just 15 minutes, and cook time is only 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.

What makes this Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers recipe truly unique is the luscious cherry-balsamic reduction that coats tender chicken chunks, creating a symphony of flavors that entertain the senses. Serve 4 skewers per person to satisfy 4 guests.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers

Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers showcase juicy chicken marinated in a sweet-tart cherry balsamic glaze, then grilled until lightly charred and flavorful. This Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers recipe elevates backyard grilling with a gourmet twist.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil divided
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
• Zest of ½ lemon

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp chef's knife
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, balsamic vinegar, half the olive oil, honey, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, mashing cherries gently with a spoon.
2. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until cherries break down and mixture thickens. If desired, whisk in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook 1–2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
3. While sauce cools slightly, pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Thread chicken cubes evenly onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush grates with remaining olive oil.
5. Sear skewers 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with cherry-balsamic sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
6. Remove skewers from heat and let rest 2 minutes before serving. Drizzle extra sauce over top if desired.

Notes

Substitutions & Variations

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup or brown sugar.

Herbs: Replace thyme with rosemary or basil for a different herbal note.

Thicken Sauce: Use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

Storage & Scaling

Store cooled skewers and extra sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

To freeze, flash-freeze skewers on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Double the recipe for larger gatherings; grill in batches to maintain even cooking.

Cooking Tips

Dry chicken thoroughly to ensure a good sear.

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Let chicken rest briefly to lock in juices.

Nutritional Benefits
Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers are high in protein and antioxidants from cherries and provide 285 calories, 40 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates, and 9 g fat per serving. They offer potassium, magnesium, and fiber to support muscle function and digestion.

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