Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar with the savory richness of perfectly seared chicken. Pair it with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and made with wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile: Works beautifully with various side dishes, from mashed potatoes to a fresh garden salad.
- Flavorful: The combination of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs creates a marinade that’s savory, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Balsamic Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use Cast Iron: A cast-iron skillet retains heat beautifully and helps achieve that perfect golden sear.
- Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing! It captures all those flavorful browned bits, creating a rich sauce.
Delicious Variations
- Balsamic Chicken with Vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus to the skillet for a one-pan meal.
- Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Increase the honey for a slightly sweeter glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Grilled Balsamic Chicken: Marinate the chicken as instructed, then grill it for a smoky twist.
- Creamy Balsamic Chicken: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the pan sauce for a luxurious texture.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken
- Classic Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
- Light and Fresh: Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed green beans for a lighter meal.
- Pasta Night: Slice the chicken and toss it with pasta and the pan sauce for an Italian-inspired dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Balsamic Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Balsamic chicken freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds flavor and stays juicier. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What’s the best balsamic vinegar for this recipe?
Look for a high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar with a rich, syrupy consistency for the best results.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! After searing, transfer the chicken to a preheated 375°F oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is balsamic chicken gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the balsamic vinegar and other ingredients don’t contain gluten (most don’t, but always check labels).
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no modifications are needed!
Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar with the savory richness of perfectly seared chicken. Pair it with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought is fine)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
For the Chicken:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1½ lbs)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey, and lemon juice. Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and paprika for a flavorful base.
- Pat chicken thighs dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Let it rest briefly or refrigerate for deeper flavor (up to 2 hours).
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Bake on the center rack for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 388Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 182mgSodium: 325mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 38g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Balsamic chicken is a timeless recipe that combines simplicity with gourmet flair. Its versatility and ease make it a go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Whether you try the classic version or one of the tasty variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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