The Juiciest (And Best) Balsamic Chicken Recipe

What is balsamic chicken?

Balsamic chicken is a delightful dish that features chicken marinated or glazed in a rich balsamic vinegar sauce. This tangy and slightly sweet sauce often includes other ingredients like honey, mustard, garlic, and herbs, creating a beautifully balanced flavor that enhances the tender chicken. It’s a versatile recipe that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to a fresh salad, ensuring a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why you’ll love this balsamic chicken recipe

You're going to absolutely adore this balsamic chicken recipe, and here's why:

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish packs a punch of rich, tangy flavor thanks to the star of the show - balsamic vinegar. It transforms simple chicken into a gourmet meal that feels like a treat.
2. Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you can have this dish sizzling on your dinner table, making it a perfect go-to for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave something delicious.
3. Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re looking to keep it light with a vibrant salad or need something a bit heartier like mashed potatoes or pasta, this balsamic chicken pairs wonderfully with just about anything.
4. Healthy Meets Tasty: Not only is this recipe a delight for your taste buds, but it's also friendly for your waistline. It's a great way to enjoy a fulfilling meal without compromising on health.
5. Surefire Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or trying to impress guests, this balsamic chicken is a universal pleaser. Expect everyone to be asking for seconds.

The ingredients you will need to make balsamic chicken

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the amount or the quality of this all-important cooking oil. Olive oil is the foundation of this dish, coating each ingredient and helping them to achieve their ideal smoky, roasted flavor.

Glaze for Cheese: Our balsamic cheese glaze is an irresistibly rich, thick reduction of tangy-sweet balsamic vinegar ready for almost everything! We love this product for marinating the chicken.

Tomato Paste: Our tomato paste tube is a double concentrate of Italian tomatoes. A rich, super thick pantry staple perfect for adding intense tomato flavor and color to your recipes.

Honey and Lemon Juice: Honey is great for marinades. It helps to emulsify the ingredients and tenderize the meat. Lemon juice adds flavor, brightness, and balance to marinades. It can also help tenderize meat.

Aromatics: We use a combination of garlic, fresh thyme, dried oregano and sweet paprika in the marinade. Garlic adds a strong, pungent flavor and aroma to the meat, enhancing its overall taste and depth. Spices also add depth of flavor and complexity to the marinade.

Chicken Thighs: You can use chicken breasts, but we think the thighs have a richer flavor for this recipe.

How to make balsamic chicken

Make the balsamic glaze. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey and lemon juice in a large bowl. Then add the garlic cloves, thyme, oregano and sweet paprika. Whisk again to combine.

Prep the chicken. 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.

Cook the chicken. 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 (the internal temperature of cooked chicken should register 165 degrees F).

Top tips

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.

Line your dish or sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. This makes clean up much easier!

Serve with your favorite sides – keep it light with salads or go heartier with rice/potatoes – whatever you like really!

If you have leftovers, place them in an air-tight sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat leftovers, place them in the microwave and cook for 1-2 minutes or until it is heated through.

What to serve with balsamic chicken

When it comes to serving up a delicious balsamic chicken, the options for sides are plentiful and can really enhance the rich, tangy flavors of the dish. Here are some friendly suggestions to create a meal that’s as delightful as it is satisfying:

1. Garlicky Green Beans

A side of crisp green beans sautéed with a touch of garlic pairs wonderfully with the deep flavors of balsamic chicken. It’s light, nutritious, and adds a lovely crunch to your meal.

2. Creamy Polenta

For something a bit heartier, creamy polenta is a fantastic choice. It’s smooth and mild, which makes it the perfect base to soak up that delicious balsamic glaze from the chicken.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasting Brussels sprouts until they’re caramelized brings out their natural sweetness, offering a delightful contrast to the savory balsamic chicken. Toss them with a little olive oil and sea salt for a simple yet tasty side.

4. Couscous Salad

A light couscous salad, perhaps with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, adds a refreshing element to your meal. It’s zesty and easy to whip up!

5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also a great way to add a pop of color to your plate. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy balsamic glaze beautifully.

6. Caesar Salad

If you’re looking for something cool and crisp, a classic Caesar salad works wonders. It’s crunchy, creamy, and garlicky which pairs nicely with the robust flavors of the chicken.

7. Wild Rice

A side of aromatic wild rice offers a lovely texture contrast and has enough personality to stand up to the balsamic chicken without overwhelming it. Mix in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra touch of flavor.

8. Steamed Asparagus

Lightly steamed asparagus, seasoned with a bit of lemon zest and black pepper, makes a quick and healthy side that complements the balsamic chicken in both flavor and presentation.

9. Caprese Salad

For a touch of Italian, try a simple Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction to echo the chicken's marinade.

10. Focaccia Bread

And of course, don’t forget a loaf of warm focaccia bread to mop up all the delicious juices. It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit.

Balsamic Chicken: FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts instead of thighs for your balsamic chicken. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as chicken breasts can be a bit leaner and might cook faster than thighs. To keep them juicy and flavorful, you might want to check them a bit earlier or consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

As little as 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

What does vinegar do to the chicken when cooking?

• Tenderizes the Meat: Vinegar is acidic, so when it's used in marinades, it helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and easier to chew.
• Enhances Flavor: Vinegar can add a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the natural taste of the chicken, giving your dish a more complex flavor profile.
• Helps in Retaining Moisture: The acidity of the vinegar can also help the chicken retain moisture while cooking, ensuring that it comes out juicy and delicious.
  

Does balsamic vinegar tenderize meat?

Yes. Vinegar is acidic, so when it's used in marinades, it helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and easier to chew.

What is balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar is a wonderfully rich, slightly sweet vinegar that originates from Italy, specifically from the regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia. It's made from grape must, which is freshly crushed grape juice with all the skins, seeds, and stems. This mixture is cooked down to create a concentrate and then fermented and aged in a series of wooden barrels for a minimum of 12 years – though some special varieties can be aged for much longer, even up to 100 years!

The aging process is key, as it allows the vinegar to develop a complex flavor profile, with hints of cherry, fig, and molasses, along with a beautiful dark color and syrupy consistency. Balsamic vinegar can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from dressing salads to drizzling over grilled vegetables or strawberries, enhancing the flavors of your dishes with its distinctive taste.

What does balsamic vinegar taste like?

Balsamic vinegar is known for its rich, complex flavor that strikes a lovely balance between sweet and tangy. When you first try it, you'll notice a slight acidity, which is beautifully mellowed out by a sweet undertone. This comes from the grape must (crushed grape juice) it's made from, which is concentrated and aged.

The aging process, which can vary in length, also adds a lot of depth to its flavor. The longer it's aged, the thicker and more syrup-like it becomes, and you might even catch hints of woodiness if it's been stored in wooden barrels. Overall, balsamic vinegar adds a delightful burst of flavor to salads, grilled vegetables, and even strawberries or ice cream! It's quite versatile and a little drizzle can transform a simple dish into something really special.

How long can I marinate chicken in vinegar?

Generally, it's best to keep it on the shorter side, as vinegar is quite acidic and can start to break down the protein in the chicken if left for too long. For optimal results, aim for about 30 minutes to 2 hours. This should give your chicken enough time to soak up all those delicious flavors without compromising its texture.

Do I rinse chicken after soaking it in vinegar?

If you find the vinegar flavor too strong, you might want to give the chicken a quick rinse under cold water to mellow it out a bit before cooking. However, if you’re okay with the tanginess, you can just pat the chicken dry with paper towels after removing it from the vinegar.

Can I make balsamic vinegar ahead of time?

You can make this ahead of time. Simply make the whole recipe and then store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Make sure to bring to room temperature before heating.

The Juiciest (And Best) Balsamic Chicken Recipe

• ¼ cup DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoon DeLallo Glaze for Cheese
• 1 tablespoon DeLallo 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
• 8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs, (about 1 ½ pounds)
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F and adjust a rack in the middle.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, honey and lemon juice.
3. Add the garlic cloves, thyme, oregano and sweet paprika.
4. Whisk again to combine.
5. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
6. Add the chicken to the mixing bowl and toss to coat with the balsamic marinade.
7. 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 (the internal temperature of cooked chicken should register 165 degrees F).

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