Cherry Bomb Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with Cherry Bomb Chicken, a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs are simmered in a luscious cherry balsamic sauce made from fresh pitted cherries, honey, and a hint of red chili flakes for a subtle kick. Infused with garlic and fresh thyme, this one-skillet recipe combines convenience and gourmet flair, making it a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a 15-minute prep time and a total cook time of 30 minutes, this vibrant dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp greens. Treat your taste buds to this unforgettable chicken recipe that’s as stunning as it is succulent!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cups Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme leaves
• 0.5 cup Chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the pitted cherries, honey, balsamic vinegar, red chili flakes, and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Cook the cherry mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 8

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the cherry sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

Step 9

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter to enrich the sauce.

Step 11

Serve the Cherry Bomb Chicken hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1212.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2022.8

Total Fat 108.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 791.6mg	0%
Sodium 2966.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.1g	0%
Total Sugars 78.3g
Protein 167.4g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 178.3mg	0%
Iron 9.2mg	0%
Potassium 2312.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.4%

Protein: 33.1%

Carbs: 18.6%