Succulent baked balsamic chicken, loaded with flavor from a bold balsamic marinade with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs! Ready in just over 30 minutes.
Balsamic glazed chicken you’ll be making on repeat!
An easy, unassuming balsamic marinade takes your average baked chicken dinner to a new level of delicious!
This juicy, garlicky, appropriately sticky balsamic chicken recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prep. Once tossed in the quick marinade with balsamic glaze, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, put it in the oven for 30 minutes or so.
I’m a big fan of chicken thighs for quick weeknight dinners; besides, it’s really hard to mess them up. Simply make a quick dry rub or toss them in a flavorful marinade with bold spices, and you have dinner!
If you prefer boneless chicken breasts in this recipe, that will work. You’ll want to adjust the cooking time to make sure the breasts don’t dry out (I’ll give you a few more tips on this later).
Ingredients for balsamic chicken marinade
There’s something decadent about food with a slight syrupy stickiness to them. What I love about this honey balsamic chicken is that it provides all that comfort without being overwhelmingly sweet. It is all thanks to a perfectly balanced balsamic marinade made of simple ingredients:
- Extra virgin olive oil – a generous amount of good extra virgin olive oil forms the base of this glazed balsamic chicken recipe.
- Balsamic glaze – the main flavor maker in this recipe. I used store-bought to save time, but you can also make your own (see my tips below)
- Tomato paste – adds a hint of tantalizing umami
- Honey – just a touch works with the balsamic glaze to add subtle sweetness to the dish
- Fresh lemon – lemon juice adds bright flavor and keeps the dish from tasting too sweet
- Fresh minced garlic – Don’t skimp on the garlic! It elevates the flavor of the sticky marinade.
- Fresh thyme
- Dried oregano
- Sweet paprika
What is balsamic glaze?
Balsamic glaze is also known as balsamic reduction, and it is simply balsamic vinegar simmered until reduced and thickens. Often times, a sweetening agent such as sugar or honey is added to enhance flavor and balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
Homemade balsamic glaze can be stored in the fridge (in a tightly closed mason jar) for 1 to 2 weeks, and you can use it on many things from your skillet zucchini to a delicious baked salmon.
How to make balsamic glaze from scratch
In this balsamic chicken thighs recipe, I took a shortcut and used store-bought balsamic glaze. But if you have some balsamic vinegar already in your pantry, you can make your own from scratch ahead of time. Here is how:
- Bring 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to a boil in a saucepan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool completely. This is important, because the reduction will thicken as it cools. Your balsamic glaze should be thick and pourable.
- Let cool before you store it in a tight-lid mason jar. Keep it in the fridge for later use (1 to 2 weeks)
How to make balsamic chicken
This honey balsamic chicken is a breeze to make. Here is my step-by-step guide to make it (printer-friendly version below):
- Make the balsamic marinade. Combine about 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of honey, juice of 1 lemon in a big mixing bowl. Then add minced garlic (a good 5 cloves), thyme, dried oregano and sweet paprika and whisk (you should have a bit of a thick marinade with a syrupy consistency).
- Marinate the chicken. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper and toss it with the balsamic marinade. If you have the time, cover and refrigerate for a couple hours, otherwise, set it aside for a few minutes at room temp.
- Bake. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish or heat-safe skillet, and bake in a 425-degree F heated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a thermometer, inserted at the thickest part, registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Tips for success
- Marinate the chicken ahead of time. If you have time, allow the chicken thighs to sit in the balsamic marinade in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours. This will really amp up the flavor.
- Don’t skip the honey. Even though this recipe only calls for a teaspoon of honey, it does make a difference. Along with the balsamic glaze, it adds a subtle sweetness and balances the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check whether your chicken thighs are done. Ovens do vary, so you’ll want to watch and decide when your chicken is ready. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part, the chicken is ready when the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.
Serve it with
This balsamic glazed chicken is versatile and can be paired with a number of things including Italian roasted veggies, butternut squash, crispy fried burssels sprouts or baked zucchini. For a grain, you can try basmati rice or fluffy couscous.
Additional FAQs for this balsamic chicken recipe
Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, and they are prone to drying out. A perk of using breasts instead of thighs though is that chicken breasts typically absorb flavor from marinades better. For best results, use chicken breasts that are similar in thickness. To do this, lightly pound each breast with a meat mallet (like I do in my Italian baked chicken breast recipe). Chicken breasts baked at 425 degrees will take about 18 minutes or so to fully cook, and it does help to start the chicken covered in the oven for the first 10 minutes or so.
Yes. You can cook it on the stove over medium heat. You will have to turn the thighs while they cook to prevent the glaze from burning. I prefer baking the chicken because I can pop it into the oven and forget about it until it’s ready!
Leftover balsamic chicken will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.
More chicken recipes for you to try
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Skillet Garlic Dijon Chicken Recipe
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Braised Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms and Dried Figs
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Moroccan-Inspired Chicken Couscous
Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Baked Chicken Thighs with Spiced Tomato Rub
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Easy Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
Balsamic chicken 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
For the chicken
- 8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs, (about 1 ½ pounds)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey and lemon juice. Add the garlic cloves, thyme, oregano and sweet paprika. Whisk again to combine.
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Add the chicken to the mixing bowl and toss to coat with the balsamic marinade. Set aside briefly for a few minutes while you heat the oven (or if you have time, cover and refrigerate for a couple hours).
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees F and adjust a rack in the middle.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or a heat-safe skillet. Bake on the center rack of the heated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of cooked chicken should register 165 degrees F).
Video
Notes
- Marinate the chicken ahead of time. If you have time, allow the chicken thighs to sit in the balsamic marinade in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours. This will really amp up the flavor.
- Chicken Breast Option: For best results, use chicken breasts that are similar in thickness. To do this, lightly pound each breast with a meat mallet (like I do in my Italian baked chicken breast recipe). Chicken breasts baked at 425 degrees will take about 18 minutes or so to fully cook, and it does help to start the chicken covered in the oven for the first 10 minutes or so.
- Leftovers and Storage: Allow any cooked balsamic chicken to cool, then transfer to a tight-lid container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
- Visit Our Shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spices.
very quick to make flavor was outstanding and easy to make more and flex it into a salad or something to change up the meal…an excellent choice for meal prep
Thanks so much, Marcella!
I have made this 4 times in a month! I would like to add some hest…what would you suggest?
Hello! I feel like you can never go wrong with a little Aleppo pepper to add some heat :).
This is one of my go to chicken dishes. The marinade is amazing and even if you don’t have time to marinate, it comes out fantastic. My partner is always excited when he knows I am making this. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
Can I use an air fryer?
Sure, Sarah. I don’t see why not :). Enjoy!
I don’t have an oven ,is it possible to use grill pan instead ? Would love to try it if i can.
Yes! You can cook it on the stove over medium heat. You will have to turn the thighs while they cook to prevent the glaze from burning.
I cooked this tonight for the family. I marinated the chicken for about 4 hours. Easy to make, and the whole family loved them. Thank you Suzy
You are very welcome, Coral! So glad you all enjoyed it!
Hi! Could you cook these in a pan on the stove top instead? Thanks
Hi, Bonnie. Yes, you can definitely cook these on the stovetop on medium heat. You will have to turn the thighs while they cook to prevent the glaze from burning. Enjoy!
Just made this. Best chicken I’ve ever had. I used bone in with skin and increased cooking time. I used a ladle of the cooked sauce over fresh and ground sundried warmed as a side, and wilted spinach. AMAZING!
So glad you enjoyed it, Isabel!
Suzy , it’s another outstanding recipe! The family loves it when I make your dishes and so do I . It comes together quickly & is delicious and that’s a win in my book . I only let it marinade an hour and a half but it was still wonderful. Next time I’ll let it marinade longer . Every recipe I’ve made of yours has been great and you’re making me look good in the kitchen and I’m grateful. Once again Suzy , it was delicious! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us.
You are very sweet, Greg! Thank you!
Amazing and so simple to make! We loved it and will definitely be making it again. Prepared exactly as recipe. So tender, fragrant and loaded with flavor! I served it with broccoli and brown basmati rice with all the sauce drizzled over it.
Thanks, Joan!
I made these exactly 17 days ago. I’m making them again tonight. They are so DELICIOUS! My husband loves them too. All of your recipes are great! Thanks!
Thanks so much, Nan!
Made this using my friends’ Strippaggio Barrel Aged vinegar and it was fantastic! Very easy and really delicous.
Awesome! Thanks, Amanda!
Hi Suzy,
We love your recipes! Could I use bone in thighs with this recipe? If so any thoughts on how long to cook it? I’m afraid being in the oven long enough to cook them at that temperature might burn them.Thanks so muc,
Ginger
Hi, Ginger! Sure, you can use bone-in thighs here. They will take a bit longer to cook, and the exact time will depend on your oven. You can always use my Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe as a guide. I always find using a meat thermometer is super handy with chicken. Cook to an internal temp to about 165-170 degrees F.
I wanted, I saw Suzy, I cooked, DELISH!! I have been stalking these recipes a little while now. I have tried several and “The Mediterraneandish.com” has not disappoint. So, inspired by your recipes so much, your recipes will be the star of my families dinner. We rotate monthly and take turns cooking different dishes, When my turn comes around again…..Suzy and the mediterraneandish is where I am going! This dish, the salads, the fish recipes….choices are endless and all so delish! Thanks Suzy!!
Jackie
I’m making this for the 3rd time tomorrow night. I’m just wondering how it would go with coconut rice? I can’t find sweet paprika so I use normal paprika …. or should I rather use smoked paprika?
Thanks for all the awesome recipes
Hi, Ju-Anne. I’ve never tried that combo before, but I imagine it would go well with coconut rice. And if you don’t have sweet paprika, normal paprika is just fine. They are essentially the same thing.
sweet paprika is quite different from normal paprika. Sweet is sweet. normal is harsh. i found the sweet paprika in a red can at a international deli, where you can find some very different items. I just use the sweet hungarian paprika all the time.
I am going to try this recipe tonight! I’m excited to try it 😋 Suzy I have tried so many of your recipes and they have all been a hit! You make me look like a great cook! We both absolutely loves the meals I am (we are) making and I’m having a so much fun discovering and serving such amazing meals! We are both asparagus lovers so I’m going to roast some asparagus and have some roasted potatoes along with it. I’m drooling thinking about it!
Thank you so much for all your hard work and delicious recipes, I come to your site pretty much every day for a delicious exciting new meal. Sooooo good!
I love to hear this, Monique! So glad you are loving the recipes you find here!