Summer is the perfect season for bold, tangy, and sweet flavors that come alive in every bite — and nothing brings that flavor party to your table like these sticky sweet & savory honey balsamic glazed chicken thighs.
This recipe is a summer staple in my house, born from a spontaneous weeknight craving that turned into a backyard favorite. I first made these for a Sunday dinner with my family, inspired by the way my grandmother used to glaze roast chicken with maple syrup and vinegar. But instead of maple, I reached for honey, added some balsamic for depth, and boom — a star was born.
Today, I’m sharing that very recipe — seared to golden perfection, brushed in a sticky, garlicky glaze, and roasted until the skin is crispy and lacquered. Pair it with a crisp summer salad, a grilled corn cob, or even a cold pasta salad — and you’ve got the ultimate warm-weather meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Sticky-sweet glaze with a tangy twist from balsamic vinegar
- Crispy, golden skin that’s full of flavor
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Perfect for summer dinners, cookouts, or even meal prep
- Ready in under 45 minutes
Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss meal that feels fancy or need a crowd-pleaser for your next barbecue, these balsamic glazed chicken thighs are your go-to.
Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs🌶️
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
- Paper towels (for patting chicken dry)
- Small bowl or whisk (for mixing glaze)
- Spoon or brush (for glazing chicken)
- Knife and cutting board (for garlic)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Plate (for resting chicken)
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 🍗 chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 🧂 salt and 🧂 black pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 🛢️ olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the 🍗 chicken thighs, skin-side down, until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes). Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 🍯 honey, 🍷 balsamic vinegar, 🧄 garlic, 🌿 thyme, 🌿 rosemary, and 🌶️ red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon glaze over each piece.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and skin is caramelized.
- Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving.
What you will need + & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs, 900 g)
Purpose: Provides juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin.
Substitution: Use boneless thighs (reduce roasting time by 5–7 minutes), drumsticks, or tofu slabs (vegan, adjust cooking time). - Salt, to taste
Purpose: Enhances flavor and crisps the skin.
Substitution: Use kosher salt or a salt-free seasoning blend. - Black pepper, to taste
Purpose: Adds mild heat and depth.
Substitution: Use white pepper or cayenne for a different kick. - 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
Purpose: Sears chicken for crispy skin and flavor.
Substitution: Use avocado oil, canola oil, or butter. - ⅓ cup honey (80 ml)
Purpose: Sweetens and creates a sticky glaze.
Substitution: Use maple syrup or agave nectar. - ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (60 ml)
Purpose: Adds tangy, rich depth to the glaze.
Substitution: Use red wine vinegar + 1 tsp sugar or apple cider vinegar. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Purpose: Provides aromatic, savory flavor.
Substitution: Use ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tbsp garlic paste. - 1 tsp dried thyme
Purpose: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes.
Substitution: Use fresh thyme (1 tbsp), oregano, or Italian seasoning. - ½ tsp dried rosemary
Purpose: Contributes woody, aromatic flavor.
Substitution: Use fresh rosemary (1½ tsp), sage, or omit. - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Purpose: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
Substitution: Use cayenne, sriracha, or omit for no heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
Preheat and Season
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this is key to getting a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear for Flavor
In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works beautifully), heat olive oil over medium-high. Place the thighs skin-side down and sear until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Create the Glaze
Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Return and Glaze
Add the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon the glaze over each piece, coating it well.
Roast to Perfection
Transfer the entire skillet to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F) and the skin is caramelized and crispy.
Serve It Up
Remove from oven, spoon over any remaining sauce, and serve hot. Garnish with chopped herbs or a twist of lemon zest for brightness.
Tips for Perfect Balsamic Chicken
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the sear! It locks in flavor and gives you that irresistible crispy skin.
- If your glaze thickens too much, add 1–2 tbsp water to loosen it.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving — this keeps it juicy.
Topping Suggestions
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh, vibrant accent.
- Sesame Seeds: Nutty, subtle crunch.
- Sliced Green Onions: Mild, colorful bite.
- Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy lift.
- Crumbled Feta: Tangy, creamy contrast.
- Extra Red Pepper Flakes: Bold, spicy kick.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Chicken Thighs → Drumsticks: Similar bone-in option.
- Honey → Maple Syrup: Alternative sweetener.
- Balsamic Vinegar → Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy substitute.
- Thyme → Oregano: Different herbaceous note.
- Olive Oil → Avocado Oil: Neutral cooking oil.
Perfect Summer Pairings
What goes best with sticky chicken in summer? Try one of these combos:
- Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter
- Cucumber and dill potato salad
- Chilled orzo pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil
- Lemon-garlic green beans
- A sparkling peach iced tea
FAQs
Can I make balsamic glazed chicken with boneless chicken?
Yes! Use boneless thighs or breasts, but reduce roasting time to 15–20 minutes (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Simmer on low heat and watch closely while reducing. If it thickens too much, add 1 tbsp water..
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Yes! Sear chicken on a grill over medium heat, then brush with glaze and grill for 15–20 minutes, flipping and glazing occasionally.
This Sticky Sweet & Savory Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a flavorful, crispy dish with a rich honey-balsamic glaze, perfect for any dinner table. Inspired by your love for savory proteins (like the Sweet & Savory Korean Beef over Steamed Rice and Chicken & Bell Pepper Burrito Wraps) and sweet-savory flavors (like the CrockPot Cowboy Beans), this recipe is a must-try. Try it with chopped parsley, pair with roasted asparagus, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every sticky, savory bite!
