Balsamic Glazed Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making Balsamic Glazed Chicken at home. I remember the first time I tried it; the sweet and tangy aroma filled my kitchen, making it impossible to resist. It was a chilly evening, and my family gathered around the table, anticipation buzzing in the air. As I served the chicken, the golden skin glistened under the warm light, and the rich balsamic sauce clung beautifully to each piece. The first bite was pure magic. The flavors intertwined perfectly, and it became an instant favorite that I knew would make regular appearances on our dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory, a way to connect with my loved ones, and to share something special that is easy to prepare yet feels luxurious.

What You’ll Need for Balsamic Glazed Chicken

The ingredients for Balsamic Glazed Chicken are simple yet effective. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish full of depth and flavor. The combination of the rich balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates a beautiful melody that harmonizes perfectly, making the chicken irresistible.

• Balsamic vinegar – 1/2 cup: This is the star of the dish, providing that signature tangy flavor.
• Honey – 2 tablespoons: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Whole grain mustard – 2 tablespoons: Brings a slight spiciness and depth to the glaze.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons: Used for searing the chicken, providing richness.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – 4 pieces (about 1 ½ pounds): This cut is perfect for roasting, remaining juicy and flavorful.
• Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes – 1 pint: Adds freshness and a burst of sweetness when cooked.
• Rosemary – 2 sprigs: Provides aromatic herbal notes that elevate the dish.

Making Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Preparing Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a delightful experience, combining the smells and sounds of cooking into a beautiful symphony. Start by preheating your oven for the perfect roast. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll find joy in the little details as you go along.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is essential for achieving a crispy skin on the chicken, which adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture; it should be a delightful balance of sweet and tangy.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them to coat thoroughly in the marinade. It’s best to let them marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or you can refrigerate them for up to one hour for deeper flavor.
4. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.
5. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Adding the chicken skin-side down, it should sizzle as it hits the pan, which is a good sign!
6. Cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned. This step locks in the flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
7. Carefully flip the chicken over, and add in the grape tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
8. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and toss in the rosemary sprigs. This will bring incredible flavor as the chicken cooks.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then transfer the skillet uncovered to the preheated oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, which should take about 20 minutes.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and discard the rosemary stems. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.

Ways to Customize

While Balsamic Glazed Chicken is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to put your personal spin on it. Its versatility allows you to explore flavors that suit your taste perfectly.

• Change the protein: Substitute with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor.
• Add vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Herb variations: Try using thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different herbal note.
• Sweeteners: Replace honey with maple syrup for a unique twist on the glaze.
• Grill it: For summer, consider grilling the chicken instead of baking for a smoky flavor.

What Goes Well With This Balsamic Glazed Chicken

When serving Balsamic Glazed Chicken, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy side that complements the chicken.
• Rice or quinoa: Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce.
• Fresh salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing balances the richness of the chicken.
• Potatoes: Mashed or roasted potatoes are a comforting side that never fails.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or an elegant date night.
• Seasonal pairings: In summer, add fresh corn or snap peas, while in fall, roasted root vegetables work beautifully.

FAQ

Conclusion

Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a truly special dish that brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for any occasion, and I encourage you to give it a try! The combination of sweet and tangy flavors will surely impress your family and friends, making it a recipe you’ll want to make time and time again.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Balsamic Glazed Chicken combines sweet and tangy flavors in a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for the whole family, making it a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Whole grain mustard
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 pint Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
• 2 sprigs Rosemary broken in half

Equipment

• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Oven
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is essential for achieving a crispy skin on the chicken, which adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture; it should be a delightful balance of sweet and tangy.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them to coat thoroughly in the marinade. It’s best to let them marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or you can refrigerate them for up to one hour for deeper flavor.
4. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.
5. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Adding the chicken skin-side down, it should sizzle as it hits the pan, which is a good sign!
6. Cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned. This step locks in the flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
7. Carefully flip the chicken over, and add in the grape tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
8. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and toss in the rosemary sprigs. This will bring incredible flavor as the chicken cooks.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then transfer the skillet uncovered to the preheated oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, which should take about 20 minutes.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and discard the rosemary stems. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.

Notes

• Chicken thighs: Or substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The skin gets golden brown and crisps up beautifully.
• Yield: This Balsamic Chicken Recipe creates four dinner-sized servings that include 6 oz. of chicken each.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Meet Lucy Bennett

I’m passionate about food that brings people together. I love creating recipes that are vibrant, flavorful, and easy to share. I’ve cooked and tested this dish in my own kitchen to make sure it works perfectly for you. Enjoy!