Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with the warmth of fall spices. With ingredients like balsamic glaze, honey, rosemary, and roasted autumn vegetables, this dish deserves the perfect drink pairing to enhance its complex flavors. Here’s your ultimate guide to pairing Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken with wine, beer, and cocktails.
Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken
Servings 4
Calories 400kcal
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast fillets about 1 lb
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 3 tablespoons canola oil divided
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1 large red pear
- 4 cups diced fresh butternut squash
Instructions
- Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium 2–3 minutes. Season chicken with pepper and ½ teaspoon salt (wash hands). Place 2 tablespoons oil in pan; add chicken and cook 12–14 minutes, turning often, until well-browned and 165°F. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, combine vinegar, honey, and Italian seasoning in small saucepan on medium-low. Simmer 5–6 minutes until mixture has thickened and reduced by two-thirds.
- Halve sprouts, removing and discarding tough root ends. Place in microwave-safe bowl; cover and cook on HIGH 4 minutes. Halve and core pear, then cut into bite-size pieces. Add pears and squash to sprouts; cover and microwave on HIGH 4 minutes or until sprouts are tender. Drain well.
- Return sauté pan to heat on medium-high; add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, sprouts mixture, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is lightly browned. Slice chicken; arrange over sprouts mixture, then drizzle with balsamic sauce. Serve.
Best Wine Pairings for Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken
The key to pairing wine with this dish is balancing its sweetness and acidity while complementing the earthy, autumnal elements.
- Pinot Noir – This light-to-medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit notes complements the sweetness of honey and balsamic while enhancing the roasted vegetables.
- Chardonnay (Lightly Oaked) – A lightly oaked Chardonnay offers a smooth balance of buttery texture and citrusy brightness, which pairs beautifully with the chicken’s glaze.
- Grenache – With its fruity and slightly spicy profile, Grenache is a fantastic match for the warm autumn spices in the dish.
- Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc brings refreshing acidity that cuts through the dish’s sweetness while complementing its herbal notes.
- Viognier – This aromatic white wine with floral and stone fruit notes enhances the honey component and pairs well with roasted autumn vegetables.
Best Beer Pairings for Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken
For beer lovers, a well-chosen brew can enhance the dish’s sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.
- Amber Ale – The malty sweetness of an amber ale complements the honey and balsamic glaze while balancing the roasted elements.
- Hefeweizen – A wheat beer with hints of banana and spice pairs well with the autumn flavors of the dish.
- Pumpkin Ale – A seasonal favorite, pumpkin ale enhances the warmth of autumn spices while adding a subtle sweetness.
- Brown Ale – The nutty and caramel notes in a brown ale harmonize with the richness of the dish.
- Cider (Dry or Semi-Sweet) – A dry or semi-sweet cider is an excellent choice, as its crisp apple flavors work beautifully with the balsamic glaze and roasted vegetables.
Unique Pairings – Cocktails & Other Drinks
If you’re looking for something different, try these creative pairings:
- Maple Bourbon Smash – The caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon enhance the roasted flavors of the dish, while maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.
- Apple Cider Mule – A refreshing blend of apple cider, ginger beer, and lime provides the perfect contrast to the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
- Hot Toddy – The warm spices of a Hot Toddy pair well with the comforting, autumnal flavors of the dish.
- Pear and Rosemary Gin Fizz – The herbal notes of rosemary and the delicate fruitiness of pear create a perfect balance with the dish’s glaze.
- Spiced Mulled Wine – A classic fall favorite, mulled wine’s combination of spices and fruit works beautifully with the dish’s warm and rich flavors.
