Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken

Name: Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish

Highlighted under: Old-Fashioned Comfort Eats

I absolutely love cooking with bold flavors, and this Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken is a perfect example. Each bite is infused with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, which transforms a simple chicken dish into a gourmet experience. The velvety glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious crust while the meat stays juicy and tender. I can always count on this dish to impress my family and friends, making it a go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:10:27.548Z

When I decided to try my hand at this Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken, I was immediately captivated by the idea of melding those rich, complex flavors. I marinated the chicken in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic, allowing it to soak up all that goodness, which truly elevated the dish. The secret? Letting the chicken rest after roasting to lock in all that moisture.

As the chicken roasted, my kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma that had everyone gathering for dinner ahead of time. I learned that using quality balsamic vinegar makes a noticeable difference in taste. Trust me, you'll want to savor every mouthful of this delicious meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Tangy sweetness from the balsamic reduction perfectly complements the chicken
A simple marinade that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort
Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions

The Role of Marination

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. The balsamic vinegar acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down proteins while also infusing the chicken with its distinct tangy sweetness. I recommend marinating for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, aim for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This longer marination allows the chicken to absorb the marinade's richness, resulting in a more intense flavor throughout every bite.

Make sure to gently massage the marinade into the chicken thighs for even coverage. This process helps ensure that each piece is well-seasoned and can create a delightful contrast between the juicy, tender meat and the crispy skin. If you're short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade will lend flavor, though the depth may not match that of a longer soak.

Achieving Perfect Roasting

Roasting the chicken at 400°F (200°C) is ideal for achieving crispy skin while cooking the meat evenly. When placing the thighs skin-side up in the pan, ensure they are spaced out properly; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting. A good visual cue for proper doneness is the skin turning a golden brown with crispy edges, which indicates the sugars in the glaze are caramelizing beautifully.

During the roasting process, it's essential to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade halfway through. This not only adds moisture but also enhances the glossy finish of the glaze. If you notice that the skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the chicken with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the balsamic glazed chicken with freshly chopped rosemary or thyme right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Pair it with sides like roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal with freshness and crunch.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispy skin. Alternatively, you can shred the leftover chicken to use in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick, flavorful meal the next day.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken thighs in a sealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roast the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the thighs in a roasting pan, skin-side up. Reserve the marinade. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through.

Check Doneness

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.

Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Serve with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the marinade. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, though be mindful that cooking times will be shorter—aim for 25-30 minutes. For a different flavor, you can substitute the balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, but keep in mind that the tang and sweetness will vary slightly. Honey can also be replaced with maple syrup for a slight twist on the sweetness.

If you're aiming for a low-sodium option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce in place of salt in the marinade. However, the final flavor profile will be different, introducing a slightly savory note that can complement the balsamic's sweetness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chicken isn't browning as expected, ensure that your oven is properly preheated and that the chicken is spaced out in the roasting pan. Insufficient heat or overcrowding can lead to lackluster results. You might also consider broiling the chicken for a few minutes at the end of the roasting process to achieve that desired crispy skin, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

In case you realize the chicken is overcooked, resulting in dryness, serve it alongside a sauce made from the drippings mixed with a bit of broth or additional balsamic vinegar. This can help restore some moisture when serving and bring back the rich flavor of the dish.

Scaling the Recipe

To scale this recipe up for a larger gathering, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Ensure you have a larger roasting pan, or use multiple pans to accommodate the chicken thighs without overcrowding. The oven temperature will remain the same, but be sure to check the internal temperature of each piece of chicken, as larger quantities may take slightly longer to cook through.

If you're cooking for a smaller group, this recipe is easily halved, simply adjusting the quantities of the marinade ingredients accordingly. You can freeze any uncooked marinated chicken for up to three months, making this a great option for meal prep or unexpected guests. Just thaw the marinated chicken in the refrigerator overnight when ready to cook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts will cook faster. Adjust the roasting time to avoid drying them out.

→ How long does the marinating process need to be?

30 minutes is sufficient, but marinating for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavor.

→ What can I serve with Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken?

This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and roast it when you're ready to serve.