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Easy Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

This Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic glaze, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and spices. Perfectly baked to a caramelized finish, this dish is simple to prepare and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

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 and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Add minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme, dried oregano, and sweet paprika. Whisk everything again to fully combine all the flavors.
  2. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Generously season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  3. Marinate the chicken. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the mixing bowl containing the balsamic marinade. Toss the chicken in the marinade thoroughly so every piece is coated well. Set the bowl aside for a few minutes while you preheat the oven, or for deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
  4. Preheat the oven. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to ensure a hot baking environment for caramelizing the chicken.
  5. Bake the chicken. Transfer the marinated chicken thighs along with any remaining marinade to a baking dish or heat-safe skillet. Place it on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts but adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
  • If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of brown sugar until syrupy.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, balsamic glaze chicken, weeknight dinner, simple chicken

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/easy-balsamic-chicken-recipe/