Craving a flavorful, fuss-free dinner? Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs delivers juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich, tangy balsamic sauce with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this balsamic chicken is a family-friendly dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Try these chicken thighs for a cozy, satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes for a simple balsamic chicken dinner.
- Bold Flavors: Tangy balsamic and herbs create a restaurant-quality taste.
- Versatile: Perfect with rice, veggies, or salads for these chicken thighs.
- Meal Prep Star: Marinate ahead and enjoy leftovers in various dishes.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients for easy Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
Ingredients for Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Here’s what you’ll need for this balsamic chicken (serves 4–6):
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) balsamic reduction (or balsamic vinegar with ½ tsp honey)
- 1 tbsp (15g) concentrated tomato paste
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 4–5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp (3g) fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer
Ingredient Tips
- Balsamic Reduction: Simmer balsamic vinegar to reduce by half if reduction is unavailable for this balsamic chicken.
- Chicken: Use bone-in thighs (add 10–15 min cooking time) or breasts (reduce by 5–7 min) for these chicken thighs.
- Thyme: Swap with 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh rosemary for Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or brown sugar for a sweet twist in this balsamic chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Substitute with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar for tangy chicken thighs.
Directions for Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Let’s make these flavorful Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs!
Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, I whisk ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp balsamic reduction, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. I add 4–5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tsp oregano, and ½ tsp paprika, whisking to combine for this balsamic chicken.
Season the Chicken
I pat 8 chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper for even flavor in these Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
Marinate
I toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. I let it marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor in this balsamic chicken.
Preheat and Bake
I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), placing a rack in the middle. I transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), for juicy Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
Rest and Serve
I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then serve warm with the balsamic sauce drizzled over these chicken thighs.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 (1–2 thighs per serving)
- Calories: ~300–350 kcal per serving (2 thighs)
- Macros per Serving: 5g carbs, 25g protein, 20g fat, 0.5g fiber
Nutrition Notes
Calories and macros are estimates based on 2 thighs per serving. Using chicken breasts may lower fat to ~15g per serving.
Variations
Try these twists on this balsamic chicken recipe:
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary for aromatic Tangy Balsamic Chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for zesty chicken thighs.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange juice instead of lemon for a sweeter balsamic chicken.
- Veggie Add-In: Roast with bell peppers for colorful Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
- Low-Sugar: Skip honey for a less sweet balsamic chicken.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Serve with a green salad for a light meal.
- Enjoy with roasted asparagus for a veggie boost.
Storage
I store this balsamic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge. I reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or in the microwave until hot, keeping these chicken thighs moist.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs on a platter with sauce drizzled for elegance.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra thyme or parsley for freshness.
- Pairing: Pair with potatoes or a salad to complement the balsamic chicken.
- Portion Size: 1–2 thighs per person as a main.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or dinner parties.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes for breasts in Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
What if I don’t have balsamic reduction?
Simmer balsamic vinegar until reduced by half for this balsamic chicken.
Can I marinate these chicken thighs overnight?
Yes, overnight marinating enhances flavor for Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
How do I keep this balsamic chicken juicy?
Let it rest 5 minutes after cooking for moist chicken thighs.
What pairs well with this balsamic chicken?
Potatoes, salads, or roasted veggies complement Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Chicken Cabbage Savory Pirog
- Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Pulled Chicken
Conclusion
Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, easy dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your table. This balsamic chicken recipe is a must-try. Make these chicken thighs, share with loved ones, and enjoy the tangy, savory goodness!
Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- ¼ cup 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp 45ml balsamic reduction (or balsamic vinegar with ½ tsp honey)
- 1 tbsp 15g concentrated tomato paste
- 1 tbsp 15ml honey
- 2 tbsp 30ml fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 4 –5 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp 3g fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, I whisk ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp balsamic reduction, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. I add 4–5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tsp oregano, and ½ tsp paprika, whisking to combine for this balsamic chicken.
Season the Chicken
- I pat 8 chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper for even flavor in these Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
Marinate
- I toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. I let it marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor in this balsamic chicken.
Preheat and Bake
- I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), placing a rack in the middle. I transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), for juicy Best Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
Rest and Serve
- I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then serve warm with the balsamic sauce drizzled over these chicken thighs.
Notes
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