Balsamic Chicken (5 Minute Prep)

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I always get the following request Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas, I’m here to deliver!You will love this simple Balsamic Chicken Recipe Ready in just 5 minutes. Just make an easy balsamic chicken marinade with 4 basic ingredients (which you probably already have in your pantry!), marinate chicken thighs, and bake.

Ingredients and Substitutes

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for balsamic chicken marinade, the role each ingredient plays in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.

chicken:

I use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this balsamic chicken recipe.If you want to use bones, follow my Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe for temperature and time.

You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts, it will take longer to bake them at the same temperature depending on their size.If you are using chicken breasts, I highly recommend brine before marinating like mine Healthy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe.

Balsamic Chicken Marinade:

This chicken balsamic marinade is similar to my vinaigrette steak marinadeand requires only a few simple ingredients you probably already have:

• olive oil – Forms the base of the marinade and locks in moisture. I used regular olive oil, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil.
• balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and is a key ingredient in a balsamic chicken marinade! You can substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but it’s no longer balsamic chicken. 😉
• garlic – Fresh minced garlic will give your marinade the best flavor, but you can use 3 teaspoons of canned garlic to speed up the marinade, or 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
• italian seasoning – I prefer to do it myself Homemade Italian Seasoning When I can (just 5 minutes), but store bought is fine. You can also keep it simple and use just one dried herb, such as dried oregano or dried basil.
• sea ​​salt and black pepper

Variation: Add honey!

To make Honey Balsamic Chicken with a hint of sweetness, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey (or unsweetened honey) to the marinade.

After cooking, I like to drizzle with a little Balsamic Glaze For the balsamic chicken, but that’s totally optional.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken

This section shows how to make balsamic chicken thighs, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique to help you visualize it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.

1. Mix the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic chicken marinade ingredients. Add chicken and move around to cover chicken.
2. Marinate the chicken. Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade, turning halfway through to coat with the sauce.
3. Ready to bake. Preheat oven.Line 1 King Size or Line 2 Regular bakeware Use parchment paper. Place chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Grilled Balsamic Chicken. Place the pan in the oven and bake until cooked through.
5. Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.Drizzle if desired Balsamic Glaze (or serve as a sauce on the side) and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. (I also like to garnish with some grape tomatoes!)

Tips for the Best Balsamic Chicken

Use these simple tips to cook balsamic chicken perfectly every time:

• Use chicken pieces of the same thickness. This ensures they cook at the same rate. If some are thicker than others, use the flat side of the meat tenderizer to bring them to an even thickness.
• Marinate for the appropriate time. Ideally, the meat should be marinated for 3 to 12 hours. Do not leave for more than 24 hours or the chicken will become mushy.
• Give the chicken space. Place the pieces on the pan, making sure they don’t touch each other. This ensures they cook evenly (and faster).
• use one meat thermometer. This is the best way to know if your chicken is cooked.
• Get the right internal temperature. For best results, cook dark meats such as chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is juicier than the minimum safe temperature of 165°F, the opposite of white meat cooking.) If you’re cooking chicken breasts, change to 165°F.

storage instructions

• shop: Store leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal Prep: You can marinate up to 24 hours in advance, or bake balsamic chicken up to 4 days in advance.It’s perfect for meal prep, or over low carb salad have lunch!
• Reheat: Reheat in preheated oven at 350°F. Microwave also works, but dries out the chicken even more.
• freeze: Store chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip lock bags in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Balsamic Chicken Thighs

I love serving this balsamic chicken recipe with simple side dishes, and there are so many options to choose from! Here are some reader favourites:

More Easy Chicken Thighs Recipes

Looking for easier chicken thigh recipes? Here are some of my favourites:

Balsamic Chicken (Succulent and Easy!)

Make this Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe (with an easy 4 Balsamic Chicken Marinade) for easy, healthy weeknight dinners.

Prepare: 5 minute

chef: 18 minute

marinating time 1 Hour

all: twenty three minute

Serving Size: 6 (Adjust according to recipe ratio)

recipe video

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raw material

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instruct

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1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and move around to coat with marinade.

3. Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 1 hourup to 2 days, preferably halfway through turning the chicken over to coat the marinade.

4. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).Line 1 Extra Large or Line 2 small baking dish Use parchment paper.

5. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, most not touching each other.bake 18-20 minutesuntil the chicken is cooked through (use 165 degrees F to measure Instant Read Thermometer).

6. give the chicken a rest 5 minutes before eating.Drizzle if desired Balsamic Glaze Serve.

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recipe notes

Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs

Nutrition information does not include optional balsamic glaze.

nutrient content

Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.

calories Chapter 364

fat 18.4 grams

protein 44 grams

total carbohydrates 3.1 grams

net carbs 2.9 grams

fiber 0.2 grams

sugar 1.6 grams

Nutrition Facts are provided as a courtesy. Questions about calculations or why do I get different results?Please view our nutrition policy.

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