If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs. This recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy balsamic vinegar glaze, making for a meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is easy to master and will impress your family and guests. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide for making balsamic glazed chicken thighs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is everything you want in a meal: quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Flavor-packed: The balsamic glaze brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that complement the rich, juicy chicken thighs perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this a convenient meal for busy weeknights.
- One-pan wonder: All the cooking happens in one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup!
- Versatile: Pair this dish with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
So, if you’re craving a dish that’s both delicious and simple, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use boneless, skinless thighs for a quicker cook time)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (for sweetness; maple syrup works as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a touch of tanginess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to finish the glaze and give it richness)
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Preparing the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. You can also sprinkle a little garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick if you like.
Making the Balsamic Glaze
- Combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme in a small saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it reduces by half and thickens slightly.
- Finish the glaze by whisking in the butter until smooth and glossy. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning if needed (add a pinch of salt or a bit more honey for sweetness if you prefer).
Cooking the Chicken Thighs
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 7-8 minutes, without moving them, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 7-8 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken thighs. Let the glaze bubble and thicken, coating the chicken in its sticky goodness for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top of the chicken.
Tips for the Perfect Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and crispy texture. Skinless, boneless thighs will cook faster but lack the depth of flavor.
- Pat your chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispy skin. Any moisture on the surface of the chicken will prevent it from searing properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to maintain proper searing.
- Glaze consistency: If you find the glaze too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two to thicken further.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
What to Serve with Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes complement the balsamic glaze perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: The rich glaze soaks into mashed potatoes beautifully, making for a comforting side.
- Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf balances the richness of the chicken and glaze.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
Final Thoughts
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs are a simple yet impressive dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe will undoubtedly be a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides, drizzle the rich balsamic glaze over the top, and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Happy cooking!
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Description
Indulge in the rich and tangy flavors of our Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs. This dish combines succulent chicken thighs with a glossy balsamic reduction, enhanced by garlic and herbs, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and savory notes. Originating from Italian culinary traditions, this recipe is a favorite for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, it's a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and impressive meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For Garnish:
For the Balsamic Glaze:
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature while you prepare the glaze.
Searing the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Balsamic Glaze
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey, stirring to combine. Add the chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Glazing and Baking the Chicken
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are well-coated with the balsamic glaze. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and the chicken to cook through.
Finishing Touches
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 918.25kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 64.12g99%
- Saturated Fat 17.45g88%
- Trans Fat 0.32g
- Cholesterol 378.28mg127%
- Sodium 612.97mg26%
- Potassium 854.2mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 16.21g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.25g1%
- Sugars 13.48g
- Protein 64.12g129%
- Vitamin A 97.1 IU
- Vitamin C 4.24 mg
- Calcium 44.94 mg
- Iron 3.09 mg
- Vitamin D 0.38 IU
- Vitamin E 0.83 IU
- Vitamin K 39.6 mcg
- Thiamin 0.28 mg
- Riboflavin 0.56 mg
- Niacin 17.89 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.37 mg
- Folate 15.15 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2.39 mcg
- Phosphorus 617.72 mg
- Magnesium 75.64 mg
- Zinc 5.08 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Variations:
- Herb Variations: Substitute rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different herbal profile.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Tip:
For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken thighs are thoroughly dried before seasoning and searing.
