Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 Tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 large bone-in
skin-on chicken thighs, about 2 1/4 lbs
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
- 1
In a large sealable bag, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped scallions and salt. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and then carefully move the chicken around in the bag until it's thoroughly coated. Place the chicken in the fridge to marinate overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
- 2
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF with the rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- 3
Remove the chicken from the bag and reserve the marinade. Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken thighs and arrange them skin side down on the baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes.
- 4
Remove the chicken from the oven and flip the thighs skin side up. Turn the oven to broil, and if necessary, adjust the baking rack so it is about 8 inches from the broiler. Return the chicken to the oven and broil for about 5 minutes until the skin is crisped and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165ºF. (The chicken juices should run clear, rather than pink.) While the chicken is cooking, transfer the marinade to a medium saucepan.
- 5
Whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Bring the marinade to a boil then whisk in the cornstarch mixture and continue boiling the marinade, whisking intermittently, until it thickens to the consistency of syrup, about 5 minutes. (The glaze must come to a boil to get rid of any potential bacteria from the raw chicken.) Remove the glaze from the stove and set it aside.
- 6
Remove the cooked chicken from the oven, brush it with the prepared glaze and serve immediately.
- 7
★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken Thighs
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a dish that effortlessly blends sweet and savory with minimal fuss? These Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken Thighs deliver rich, complex flavors born from a simple yet powerful overnight marinade, transforming humble chicken into a weeknight showstopper. You'll love how the oven does most of the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful results.
This recipe shines thanks to its thoughtful approach: an overnight marinade. This crucial step allows fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and balsamic vinegar to deeply penetrate the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The result is consistently juicy chicken infused with a balanced, irresistible taste that's a world away from dry, bland poultry.
Expect a beautifully caramelized exterior and succulent, moist chicken on the inside. The marinade creates a vibrant interplay of tang from the balsamic, umami from the soy sauce, and a gentle sweetness from the honey, all brightened by fragrant ginger and garlic. The scallions in the marinade contribute a subtle oniony freshness that complements the deeper flavors. This dish promises a satisfying meal with layers of taste that feel both comforting and a little bit fancy.
Customization & Variations
For those who love to tweak, consider adjusting the balance of the marinade. If you prefer a bolder zing, feel free to add a touch more balsamic vinegar. For an extra layer of warmth, increase the amount of minced fresh ginger. You can also experiment with the balance of sweet and savory by slightly increasing or decreasing the honey to suit your palate.
Serve these flavorful Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken Thighs with your favorite simple side dishes for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. They pair wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.