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Savory Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Sticky Glaze Dinner

savory honey balsamic chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked with a sticky honey balsamic glaze that balances rich tartness and mellow sweetness for a comforting and quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (85g) honey, 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down carefully and cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. (10-12 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour the honey-balsamic glaze over the chicken. Spoon the glaze over the thighs as it bubbles, allowing it to thicken and become sticky. Let cook for 6-8 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to coat all sides. (8 minutes)
  5. Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a thigh; juices should run clear and internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of water or broth to keep the glaze from burning. (5 minutes)
  6. Remove chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. (5 minutes)

Notes

If the chicken isn’t fully cooked after searing and glazing, transfer to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to finish cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispy skin. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Add a splash of water if glaze thickens too much or starts to burn.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey balsamic chicken, sticky glaze chicken, easy chicken thighs, quick dinner, savory chicken recipe