Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken

Name: Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Fast Dinner Recipes

I absolutely love making Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken; it's one of those dishes that never fails to impress. The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey creates a rich, tangy glaze that complements the tender, juicy chicken beautifully. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making the wait for dinner even more exciting. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to put together, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:58:28.204Z

When I first experimented with this Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a depth of flavor. The acidity of balsamic vinegar melds beautifully with the sweetness of honey, resulting in a glaze that truly elevates the dish. I found that marinating the chicken for at least an hour not only enhances flavor but also keeps the meat juicy and tender.

One tip I discovered is to finish the chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking. This caramelizes the glaze and adds a beautiful golden color, making the dish visually stunning. I usually pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
A gorgeous presentation that will impress any guest.
Simple preparation, yet delivers gourmet results.

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken in the balsamic glaze is a crucial step that enhances the flavor profile of the dish. The longer you allow the chicken to sit in the marinade, the more pronounced the sweet and tangy notes will become. For optimal results, aim to marinate the chicken overnight; however, even an hour can significantly improve the depth of flavor. The acids in balsamic vinegar help to tenderize the meat, ensuring it remains juicy once cooked.

When marinating, ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the glaze for maximum flavor infusion. Using a resealable bag allows for easy tossing and distribution of the marinade. If you’re short on time, consider using a shallow dish but make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to expose all sides to the marinade for an even flavor.

Achieving That Perfect Glaze

The glaze is where the magic happens, transforming ordinary roasted chicken into a flavorful masterpiece. When mixing the ingredients for the glaze, whisk until the mixture is glossy—this ensures that the honey and balsamic vinegar blend seamlessly. The addition of garlic and thyme not only adds complexity but also creates an aromatic experience as the chicken roasts. If you prefer a thicker glaze, consider simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes to achieve the desired consistency before using it on the chicken.

During roasting, baste the chicken with the leftover glaze halfway through cooking to enhance the caramelization without drying out the meat. The high sugar content in the honey can lead to charring if cooked too long. Thus, always monitor the chicken as it broils and remove it from the heat once it reaches a beautiful golden brown.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in chicken thighs
4 bone-in chicken drumsticks
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glaze

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried thyme until well combined.

Marinate

Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the glaze over it. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavor.

Roast the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.

Finish Under the Broiler

Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken has a nice caramelized crust. Make sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick. You can also use chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Balsamic Glazed Roasted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that can soak up the delicious glaze. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh arugula salad topped with sliced pears and walnuts for an elegant touch. Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, add a lovely contrast in both flavor and texture.

For a lightened-up version, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or a swirl of zoodles (zucchini noodles), which will allow the rich glaze to penetrate each bite. Another excellent option is crusty bread or garlic bread, perfect for mopping up any excess glaze left on your plate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Any leftover balsamic glazed chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the juiciness of the chicken, ensure it is cooled to room temperature before sealing it in the container. When it comes to reheating, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) to gently warm the chicken, which prevents it from becoming dry. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave on low power, pausing to check frequently.

If you find yourself with an abundance of glaze, consider making a double batch to save for later. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a marinade for other proteins or even drizzled over vegetables for an added burst of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken will work well, but be mindful of the cooking time as it may require less time to cook.

→ What can I serve with this chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken a day in advance for even better flavor, and roast it just before you're ready to serve.