Ww Raspberry Balsamic Chicken: A Symphony of Sweet and Savory

There are certain dishes that, with just one bite, transport you back in time, conjuring up vivid memories of shared meals and happy moments. This Raspberry Balsamic Chicken is one of those for me. I remember the first time I tinkered with a Weight Watchers recipe to fit my family’s evolving tastes, seeking that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that could appease even the pickiest eaters. This dish, born from that desire, quickly became a weeknight staple, its glossy, ruby-red sauce and tender chicken pieces a comforting sight on our dinner table. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Lower Fat, Reduced Sugar

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a few pantry staples and a touch of fruit-forward sweetness to create its signature flavor profile.

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2/3 cup low-fat chicken broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup low-sugar raspberry preserves (look for varieties with minimal added sugar)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Equipment Needed

A few essential kitchen tools will make preparing this dish a breeze:

• A large nonstick skillet or wok
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Instructions

Crafting this flavorful chicken dish is a straightforward process, perfect for a busy weeknight. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results.

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Take your 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easier to eat.
2. Next, season the chicken generously. Salt and pepper to taste. A good foundation of seasoning is key to bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
3. Once seasoned, dredge the chicken pieces in the 1/4 cup of flour. Be sure to shake off any excess flour from the meat. This light coating will help create a slightly crisp exterior and thicken the sauce later.
4. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Place the floured chicken pieces in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook the chicken for approximately 15 minutes. You’ll want to stir or turn the chicken occasionally to ensure it browns evenly on all sides and cooks through.
5. Once the chicken is cooked and lightly browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This allows you to build the sauce in the same pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits.
6. In the same skillet, mix the 2/3 cup of low-fat chicken broth, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and the 1/2 cup of low-sugar raspberry preserves over medium heat.
7. Using a whisk, stir these ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken slightly. This is your sauce base.
8. Stir in the 1 1/2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. The vinegar will add a wonderful tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the raspberries. Continue to whisk and cook for a minute or two until the sauce is smooth and consistent.
9. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
10. Cook the chicken in the sauce for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to fully coat each piece. Remember to turn the chicken pieces after 5 minutes to ensure they are evenly coated and heated through in the glossy raspberry balsamic glaze.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’ve learned that a few small adjustments can elevate even the simplest dishes. For this Raspberry Balsamic Chicken, here are a few of my favorite pointers:

• Quality of Preserves Matters: While we’re using low-sugar preserves, the quality of the raspberries still shines through. Opt for a brand with a good, bright raspberry flavor for the best taste. If you find your preserves are particularly tart, you might add a tiny pinch more of sweetener if you’re not strictly counting.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken initially, ensure your skillet isn’t too crowded. This allows the chicken to sear rather than steam, leading to a better texture. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
• The Balsamic Vinegar Nuance: The type of balsamic vinegar you use can make a difference. A good quality, aged balsamic will have a richer, more complex flavor. However, even a standard balsamic will work beautifully here, providing that essential acidic counterpoint.
• Cornstarch Slurry for Thicker Sauce: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like by the end of the cooking time, you can easily adjust it. In a small bowl, mix another 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until thickened.
• Serving Temperature: This dish is best served immediately, hot, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the chicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Raspberry Balsamic Chicken is wonderfully versatile. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of side dishes.

For a light and healthy meal, serve it alongside steamed asparagus, quinoa, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious with brown rice or roasted sweet potatoes for a more substantial meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and freshness.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out. The sauce may thicken slightly upon refrigeration, so you can add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water when reheating if needed.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210 kcal	11%
Total Fat	4 g	5%
Saturated Fat	1 g	5%
Cholesterol	110 mg	37%
Sodium	150 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	15 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	8 g	9%
Protein	26 g	52%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment!

• For a Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when dredging the chicken. Ensure your preserves are also gluten-free.
• Different Berries: If raspberries aren’t your favorite, strawberry preserves or even blackberry preserves can be used for a similar flavor profile.
• Adding Vegetables: You can easily incorporate vegetables into this dish. Sautéed onions and bell peppers can be added to the skillet after cooking the chicken and before adding the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce along with the balsamic vinegar.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may take a few minutes longer to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: My sauce isn’t thick enough. What should I do?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can make a slurry with 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce and then cook the chicken separately before combining.

Q: What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use?
A: A good quality balsamic vinegar will enhance the flavor, but any standard balsamic will work well. Avoid balsamic glazes, which are typically very thick and sweet.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the chicken and sauce may be compromised upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or as leftovers within a few days.

This Raspberry Balsamic Chicken is a testament to how a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients can create a dish that’s both sophisticated and incredibly comforting. It’s a recipe that’s destined to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, perfect for weeknight dinners and easy enough to impress guests. Give it a try, and savor the delightful interplay of sweet, tart, and savory notes that make this dish so special.