Baked Balsamic Chicken

This baked balsamic chicken thighs recipe is a perfect one-pan meal, featuring tender and juicy chicken thighs paired with roasted potatoes, sweet red onions, and cherry tomatoes. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, making this dish a comforting and delicious dinner option.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Balsamic Marinade:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the Chicken Thighs:
   • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the balsamic marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each thigh evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor). Reserve the remaining marinade for later.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • On a large baking sheet or roasting pan, toss the halved baby potatoes and sliced red onions with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables out in an even layer on the pan.
5. Add the Chicken Thighs:
   • Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and onions. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
   • After 30 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle the reserved balsamic marinade over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Roast Until Done:
   • Return the pan to the oven and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Crispy Skin: If you want the chicken skin to be extra crispy, place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the pan for extra flavor and variety.
• Boneless Option: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

This baked balsamic chicken thighs recipe is a simple and flavorful meal, perfect for any night of the week. The tangy balsamic glaze and roasted vegetables make it a well-rounded, satisfying dish!