Description
This Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a flavorful balsamic glaze with sautéed mushrooms. The tangy balsamic vinegar combined with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and thyme creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the earthy mushrooms and succulent chicken. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.25 lbs. total)
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Mushrooms and Finishing
- 8 oz. mushrooms
- 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes on the first side, until browned. Flip and cook an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm by covering it on a clean plate.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the chicken cooks, clean and slice mushrooms in half. Add them to the same skillet, using the remaining oil and chicken fat, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and browned on the outside.
- Simmer the Sauce with Mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet and stir to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half and thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for a few more minutes to rewarm the chicken and meld the flavors. Serve the chicken hot with the mushroom balsamic sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar and brown sugar quantities to suit your preference for tanginess or sweetness.
- Use cremini or button mushrooms for a mild, earthy flavor; feel free to substitute with shiitake or portobello if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American