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Easy Balsamic Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful balsamic glaze mixture with herbs and garlic, then baked to perfection. It’s a quick and simple dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon balsamic glaze (store-bought is fine)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 lemon, juice of
  • 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

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, dried oregano, and sweet paprika. Whisk everything again until fully combined.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to ensure balanced flavor.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the bowl with the balsamic marinade and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. You can let it sit briefly at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  4. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
  5. Bake the chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken along with any excess marinade into a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Arrange the thighs in a single layer. Bake on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight to maximize flavor.
  • Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender, juicy meat and quick cooking time.
  • You can use a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish for baking.
  • Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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