Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Looking for a simple and delicious chicken recipe? You’ll absolutely love
these honey balsamic chicken thighs! The garlicky honey balsamic sauce
transforms plain chicken into a flavorful dish, perfect for weeknight meals.
Drizzle any leftover sauce over rice or your favorite roasted vegetables.

This chicken dinner is a great option for busy weeknights. It’s incredibly
easy to prepare. While the chicken is baking, you can prepare rice or
potatoes and get the sauce simmering. Add a simple bagged salad or a quick
vegetable side, and dinner is ready in no time.

This easy chicken thighs recipe is sure to become a family favorite! It’s
easy, versatile, and packed with flavor.

About Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Adaptable. This versatile recipe allows for substitutions.
The flavorful sauce works well with various cuts of chicken. If you prefer,
substitute chicken breasts for thighs, or create a mix to satisfy everyone.
The sauce is also delicious with pork. (Check out the
slow cooker pork loin with balsamic glaze
recipe!)

Amazing Sauce (and it’s easy!). The star of this dish is
the incredible sauce. It’s a sweet and tangy combination of honey, balsamic
vinegar, garlic, and olive oil. The sauce complements almost anything. You
might even want to double the recipe!

Picky Eaters? Serve the sauce on the side. The honey
balsamic sauce is used as a glaze for the chicken after roasting. If your
family members prefer their chicken plain, simply serve the sauce on the
side.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients you’ll need for this easy
recipe, plus a few helpful tips. For precise measurements, detailed
instructions, and nutritional information, refer to the printable recipe
card below.

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, roughly
  1.5 pounds total for four servings, are recommended. Feel free to substitute
  with other chicken cuts.
• Honey: The base for the sauce’s sweetness. You’ll need
  about a quarter cup.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy flavor. Choose a
  good quality balsamic vinegar.
• Olive Oil: Just one tablespoon is used in the sauce,
  contributing to its consistency and flavor.
• Garlic: Start with one clove, but you can add more if
  you love garlic. For a milder garlic flavor, or if you don’t have fresh
  garlic, use a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
• Salt & Pepper Season to taste.

How To Make Honey Balsamic Chicken

This recipe is incredibly easy to make. Begin by preheating your oven and
preparing a small rimmed baking pan. You can lightly spray it with nonstick
spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Season the chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken
in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s a little
space between each piece.

Roast the chicken until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The
most accurate way to determine doneness is by using an instant-read
thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken,
avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken is roasting, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan,
combine the sauce ingredients and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Once the chicken is roasted, drizzle the honey balsamic sauce over the
thighs and serve. For a more glazed appearance, you can briefly return the
chicken to the oven or use the broiler to set the glaze.

Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or chives for
added freshness and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend serving steamed rice with the chicken, such as
white rice
or
brown rice, to soak up the delicious extra sauce. Alternatively, since your oven is
already on, you can make
baked
potatoes
or roast a vegetable to complement the chicken.
Roasted broccoli,
cauliflower, or
carrots
are all excellent choices. Roasted
green beans
are also a great side dish.

FAQs

Recipe Variations

• Roast chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Keep in
  mind that they’ll need a bit longer to bake.
• Remove the skin before roasting if desired, for a lower
  calorie option. The chicken won’t be quite as flavorful.
• Adjust the garlic amount in the sauce, or substitute
  garlic powder (¼ teaspoon per clove).
• Want to grill tonight? Grill the chicken instead of
  baking it. Heat up the sauce on the stove and use it like a barbecue
  sauce. If you prefer, try my
  balsamic chicken marinade recipe. The marinated chicken goes really well with the balsamic honey glaze.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate/Freeze: Cooked chicken can be stored in the
refrigerator for three to four days in a tightly sealed container, or frozen
for three to four months. The sauce can be stored separately or with the
chicken. Another option is to remove the chicken from the bone, shred it,
and combine it with the sauce before storing.

Reheat: For best results, thaw frozen chicken
overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Individual portions can be
reheated in the microwave. Larger amounts can be reheated in the oven at
350°F (175°C) for about twenty minutes, or until heated through.