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- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds - 1 bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes Measuring ingredients helps keep your dish consistent. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. For liquids, pour carefully to avoid spills. For dry ingredients, scoop and level them off. Always check your measurements twice. This will help you get the flavors just right. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. You need to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate it for 2 hours. This time lets the flavors soak into the meat. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. While the oven heats, grab an oven-safe skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. This oil helps the chicken brown nicely. Make sure to remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off before placing the chicken in the skillet. Now it’s time to sear the chicken thighs. Place them skin side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. After that, flip the chicken thighs. Add the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Pour the reserved balsamic marinade over everything. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. For a crispy skin, switch the oven to broil mode. Broil for an extra 3-5 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the delicious glazed chicken with the fresh vegetables! To make your balsamic glazed chicken thighs even better, marinate them well. I suggest at least 30 minutes, but if you can, aim for 2 hours. This gives the chicken time to soak up the flavors. For an extra kick, try adding herbs like rosemary or spices such as paprika. These can bring out more flavor and make it special. For crispy skin, broiling is key. After baking, switch your oven to broil. Watch closely while it cooks for 3-5 minutes. This step can make a big difference. To avoid burnt skin, make sure to keep the chicken about 6 inches from the heat. You can also check on it halfway to ensure it’s cooking evenly. When it comes to sides for balsamic glazed chicken thighs, think bright and fresh. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes work great. You can also serve it with rice or a light salad. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving. This adds color and flavor to your plate. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, will enhance the flavor significantly. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like asparagus or carrots based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Let It Rest: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain its juices and ensure a moist, tender bite. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the main protein in this dish. Try using chicken breast if you want leaner meat. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian twist. For veggies, feel free to add any favorites. Carrots, broccoli, or asparagus all work well. Adjust the sweetness by using different sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey. For more depth, add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the taste. Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor. To grill, marinate the chicken, then cook on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes each side. A slow cooker is another easy option. Cook on low for 4-6 hours after marinating. This method makes the chicken very tender and juicy. To keep your balsamic glazed chicken thighs fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps cut down on moisture. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have some options. You can reheat them in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking tray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy. - Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Check often to avoid drying it out. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook until warmed through. If you want to save some chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Let it cool completely before freezing. Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for about 2-3 months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge the night before you plan to eat it. For quicker thawing, place the sealed bag in cold water for about an hour. Always make sure to reheat it properly after thawing. The best way to marinate chicken thighs is to mix balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken and cover it. Place the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for 2 hours or longer. This helps the meat soak up all those tasty flavors. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Always check for doneness to ensure the chicken is safe to eat. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for this. Also, look for clear juices when you cut into the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done. The meat should no longer be pink in the center. In this post, we explored how to make balsamic glazed chicken thighs. You learned about the main ingredients, how to measure them, and the step-by-step cooking process. Remember to marinate the chicken for the best flavor. I also shared tips for crispy skin and delicious serving ideas. Experiment with variations and storage methods to enjoy your dish later. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With practice and these techniques, you can create tasty meals every time.

Balsamic Bliss Chicken Thighs

A delicious marinated chicken dish with balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 piece zucchini, sliced into rounds
  • 1 piece bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup of this marinade for glazing later. Add chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken thighs over and add the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet.
  • Pour the reserved balsamic marinade over the chicken and vegetables.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • For crispy skin, switch the oven to broil mode and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve the chicken thighs with the glazed vegetables and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
Keyword balsamic, chicken, dinner, easy recipe