Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Balsamic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 lb) chicken thighs (5 pieces, bone in, skin on), or drumsticks or wings (any combination)
• 1/4 cup (65 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 1/2 tbsp (50 ml) soy sauce (all purpose or light, not dark soy sauce)
• 1/4 cup (85 g / 65 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (45 g) brown sugar, loosely packed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic paste from jar)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: Line a baking dish with foil and then with baking or parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and minced garlic to make the sauce.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish, skin side down for thighs and wings. The dish should be sized so the pieces are close together but with no more than 10 cm (4 inches) between each piece to ensure proper sauce reduction.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Turn the chicken over and spoon sauce over it. Continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken stand for 5 minutes, then spoon the sauce over the top and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before baking.
• Use skin-on chicken for a crispier texture.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out faster. Reduce cooking time accordingly and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight in the fridge. Then bake as directed when ready to serve.

Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in a rich and flavorful balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar glaze. The sweet and tangy sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky coating perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 kg / 2 lb chicken thighs (5 pieces, bone in, skin on), or drumsticks or wings (any combination)

Sauce

• 1/4 cup (65 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 1/2 tbsp / 50 ml soy sauce (all purpose or light, not dark soy sauce)
• 1/4 cup (85 g / 65 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (45 g) brown sugar, loosely packed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic paste from jar)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with foil and then a layer of baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and minced garlic to create a rich, balanced sauce.
4. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish skin side down if using thighs or wings. Ensure the pieces are close together but not overcrowded, maintaining about 4 inches or 10 cm spacing to allow proper sauce reduction.
5. Apply Sauce and Bake First Stage: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to begin to meld and the chicken to start cooking.
6. Flip and Baste: Turn the chicken over, spoon the sauce over the top to coat, then continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a glaze.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken stand for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Spoon additional sauce over the chicken before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Notes

• Note 1: You can use thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a combination according to preference. Bone-in, skin-on pieces work best for flavor and texture.
• Note 2: Brown sugar should be loosely packed to ensure the right sweetness and caramelization.
• Ensure the pan is appropriately sized to allow sauce reduction without drying out or being too watery.
• Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy and tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Baked Balsamic Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Honey Balsamic Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Tangy Chicken