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Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.8 from 7 reviews

Succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs glazed with a rich and tangy balsamic sauce, perfectly seared for a crispy skin and oven-baked to juicy tenderness. This simple yet elegant dish combines the sweetness of honey with the depth of balsamic vinegar, enhanced by garlic, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs

Garnish (optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for finishing the chicken.
  2. Sear the chicken: Season the chicken thighs liberally with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip the thighs and cook an additional 2–3 minutes on the other side.
  3. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme until well combined.
  4. Glaze the chicken: Pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet.
  5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  6. Serve: Spoon any extra glaze from the skillet over the chicken thighs and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron to make transferring the pan from stovetop to oven easy and safe.
  • You can substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme sprigs for a more fragrant aroma.
  • For a thicker glaze, you can simmer the balsamic mixture separately before pouring it over the chicken.
  • Leftover chicken and glaze can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, chicken thighs recipe, oven-baked chicken, honey balsamic chicken, easy chicken dinner, savory chicken thighs