Sticky Sweet & Savory Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

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.

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🌶️

Meriem Tablit

Savor this Sticky Sweet & Savory Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken, featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a rich honey-balsamic glaze with garlic and herbs. Ready in 45 minutes, 390 kcal per serving!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 390 kcal

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.

Keyword balsamic glazed chicken thighs, chicken thighs, Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken

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

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!