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Crispy Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Homemade with Rosemary

crispy honey balsamic chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features crispy, caramelized chicken thighs glazed with a sticky honey and balsamic vinegar sauce infused with fresh rosemary. It’s a quick, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (aged preferred)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste (coarse sea salt recommended)
  • Black pepper to taste (freshly cracked)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes on the flesh side until mostly cooked through.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and optional red pepper flakes to the pan. Tilt the pan and baste the chicken with the glaze as it thickens, cooking for 3-4 minutes until sticky and coating the chicken.
  6. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If not done, cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  7. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness. Avoid crowding the pan to allow even browning. If glaze thickens or burns too quickly, lower heat and add a splash of water. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices and set glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, honey balsamic chicken, crispy chicken, rosemary chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, glazed chicken