Balsamic Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a rich, tangy balsamic reduction and savory herbs, perfect for a flavorful, elegant dinner that appeals to both casual and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Combine balsamic vinegar and crushed garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and continue to boil until thick and syrupy, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in chopped rosemary.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in a large heavy skillet, skin side down, and sear until brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken and pour off excess fat.
- Return chicken to the skillet, skin side up.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oven and turn on broiler.
- Brush chicken with the reduced balsamic mixture.
- Broil until glaze is bubbly, about 1 to 3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the balsamic mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable, but use half the amount. To thicken the balsamic glaze faster, increase the heat slightly after it begins to boil, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the balsamic chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or over a bed of greens for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with Curried Ginger Salad, adding a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. A side of garlic mashed potatoes or rice would also complement this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover balsamic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious to avoid drying out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Balsamic Chicken contains roughly 148 calories, with 6g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 684mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs. Consider checking for doneness after about 8-10 minutes in the oven to prevent overcooking.
What can I serve with balsamic chicken?
Balsamic chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside Favorite Curried Eggs for a delightful meal.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balsamic glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before brushing it on the chicken before broiling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).