SMOKEY CARAMELIZED BALSAMIC CHICKEN

I had a bottle of liquid smoke sitting in my cupboard for a long time. I used it for a few things but didn’t know what else to do with it.

Until now. I’ve made this chicken several times and it’s always a hit. It’s a quick, simple way to dress up ordinary chicken in a delicious, healthy way.

SMOKEY CARAMELIZED BALSAMIC CHICKEN

2 tablespoons I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, light or regular butter

2 teaspoons liquid smoke, divided

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 cup water

2 cloves garlic

3 – 6 ounces boneless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons brown sugar

salt and pepper

In a large pan, melt butter with 1 teaspoon of the liquid smoke.
Toss onions in and saute for a few minutes or so.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and brown for about 10 minutes, turning once.
Remove to a plate, add garlic and one cup water to the pan, boil for about 1 minute scraping up the browned bits.
Return chicken to pan, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 – 30 minutes.
Move chicken to one side of pan (or briefly remove), and stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke.
Boil uncovered until slightly thickened.
Move the chicken around in the delicious liquid to slightly caramelize on the chicken.
Serve with flavored onions over the chicken.

Total calories = 1064

3 servings = 355 calories per chicken breast