Description
This Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful balsamic glaze combined with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of honey. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish is a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought is fine)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Chicken
- 8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs (about 1 ½ pounds)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey, and lemon juice. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, dried oregano, and sweet paprika. Whisk again thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better browning. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the large bowl with the marinade. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly in the balsamic mixture. Set aside briefly for a few minutes to absorb flavors, or for best results, cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius), and adjust a rack to the middle position to promote even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish or heat-safe skillet in a single layer. Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- If you do not have balsamic glaze, reduce regular balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar until thickened as a substitute.
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear and texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, which ensures juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and are great for salads or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
