Sheet-Pan

Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Name: Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon (15g) honey; 1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons (30g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lemon, cut into wedges

By Jonah Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Sheet-Pan

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made balsamic glazed chicken for my family. The combination of the sweet and tangy glaze with the juicy chicken was a hit, and it has been a staple in our household ever since. Over the years, I've perfected the recipe to make it easy to prepare ahead of time, store, and reheat without losing any of its flavor or texture.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. The balsamic glaze is made from scratch, and it's surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can serve the chicken with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or brown rice. It's also a great option for meal prep, as you can cook the chicken and glaze ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making balsamic glazed chicken from scratch. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the chicken and making the glaze, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy meal prep recipe that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions, look no further. This balsamic glazed chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later use
The balsamic glaze is made from scratch and is surprisingly easy to prepare
The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or brown rice
The dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets
The dish is healthy and nutritious, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The balsamic glaze is made with a combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil, which creates a rich and tangy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, and the glaze adds a sweet and sticky element to the dish.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is also important. By cooking the chicken in the oven, we can achieve a consistent temperature and texture, and the glaze can be brushed on during the last few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized and sticky exterior.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. After cooking the chicken, it's essential to let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. This ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender, and it's easier to slice and serve.

Finally, the quality of the ingredients used in this recipe is crucial. Fresh and high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting dish, and it's worth taking the time to select the best ingredients you can find.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this balsamic glazed chicken recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is the chicken, which should be fresh and of high quality. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper, as well as some fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.

When shopping for ingredients, look for fresh and high-quality produce, and try to buy organic or locally sourced options whenever possible. This will ensure that your dish tastes its best and is nutritious and healthy.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinlessLook for fresh and high-quality chicken, and try to buy organic or locally sourced options whenever possible. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and are easier to slice.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer, but fresh garlic is best.
1 tablespoon (15g) honeyUse a high-quality honey that is pure and has a good flavor. You can also use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinegarUse a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is aged and has a good flavor. You can also use other vinegars like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you prefer, but balsamic vinegar is best for this recipe.
1 teaspoon dried thymeFresh or dried thyme can be used for this recipe, but dried thyme is more convenient and has a longer shelf life. You can also use other herbs like rosemary or oregano if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a high-quality salt that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other seasonings like pepper or paprika if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is best for this recipe, as it adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is essential for this recipe, as it adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. You can also use other herbs like basil or cilantro if you prefer.
2 tablespoons (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseUse a high-quality Parmesan cheese that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other cheeses like mozzarella or feta if you prefer.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesFresh lemons are essential for this recipe, as they add a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish. You can also use other citrus fruits like oranges or limes if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set it aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, honey, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the glaze.
3
Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, and brush the glaze all over them. Make sure they are coated evenly, and then set them aside.
4
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5
After 20 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with the glaze again, and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
6
Remove the chicken from the oven, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, and the meat to relax.
7
While the chicken is resting, prepare the garnish by chopping the fresh parsley and grating the Parmesan cheese.
8
Slice the chicken into thin strips, and serve it with the garnish and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
9
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or brown rice. Simply toss the potatoes or rice with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and golden brown.
10
Finally, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until it's hot and tender, and serve it with your favorite sides.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh and organic produce, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.
Use a variety of sides to serve with the chicken, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or brown rice, to add texture and flavor to the dish.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, and reheat them until they're hot and tender.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add more flavor to the dish. For example, you can try using dried oregano or basil instead of thyme.
Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is aged and has a good flavor, as it will add a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of roast. Cook it in batches if necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing it, which can cause the juices to run out and the meat to become tough.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as old or expired produce, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not whisking the glaze properly, which can cause it to separate and not stick to the chicken.
Not brushing the chicken with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking, which can cause it to become dry and flavorless.
Not storing the leftovers properly, which can cause them to become contaminated or spoiled.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by using red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Use different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to add a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish.
Add some sweetness to the dish by using honey or maple syrup.
Try using different types of protein, such as pork or beef, to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Use different types of citrus fruits, such as oranges or limes, to add a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Balsamic Glazed Chicken

This balsamic glazed chicken is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or brown rice. You can also serve it with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a more substantial meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include serving it with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes, or with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette for a more indulgent meal.

Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoliQuinoa or brown riceSteamed green beans or asparagusGarlic bread or a crusty baguetteA side salad or a bowl of soupRoasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the leftovers, simply place them in the oven or microwave until they're hot and tender. You can also reheat them on the stovetop or in a toaster oven if you prefer.

When reheating the leftovers, make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

It's also a good idea to label the leftovers with the date they were cooked and the contents of the container, so you can easily keep track of what you have and how long it's been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and are easier to slice.

Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, to add a unique flavor to the dish.

How do I store the leftovers?

To store the leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I reheat the leftovers in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat the leftovers in the microwave, but make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include using different types of vinegar, adding heat to the dish, or using different herbs and spices. You can also try using different types of protein or cheese to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, this recipe is relatively healthy, as it uses fresh and organic ingredients, and it's low in calories and fat. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for specific dietary advice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time, but it's best to cook the chicken and glaze just before serving. You can store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

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