Description
A quick, affordable, and kid-approved weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet-sour balsamic glaze. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour the glaze mixture into the same skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by about a third and thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning glaze over the top. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in butter for a glossy finish and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip searing the chicken to ensure flavor development. Watch the heat when reducing the glaze to prevent burning. If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer or use a cornstarch slurry. Chicken thighs stay moist even if slightly overcooked compared to breasts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/4 of the r
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken thighs, balsamic glaze, budget dinner, quick meals, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly, one pan meal, healthy chicken