BALSAMIC BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS
Balsamic BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious blend of tangy, smoky and slightly sweet flavours, perfect for any barbecue or casual dinner. The rich, deep taste of balsamic vinegar and olive oil enhances the barbecue sauce, creating a beautifully caramelized glaze as the chicken grills. The boneless chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. This recipe is made with only four ingredients and a simple marinating process. This recipe is easy to prepare while delivering bold flavours. Whether you’re cooking outdoors on a grill or indoors on a stovetop grill pan, the result is irresistibly tender, slightly charred chicken with a mouthwatering aroma. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to complete the meal. This dish is ideal for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners or meal prep.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Entrée, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American, Southern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Barbecue / Grill, Marinate
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Backyard BBQ, Summer, Family Reunion, Fourth of July, Picnic, Party
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Fat, Quick and Easy, Wheat / Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Chicken
INGREDIENTS
- 100g boneless chicken thigh
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, BBQ sauce and olive oil.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken thigh in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavour.
- Preheat the grill: Set the grill to a medium-high flame and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting with additional marinade for extra flavour.
- Check doneness: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) before removing from the grill.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
PREP TIME
30 minutes (including marination)
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
- For extra flavour: Marinate the chicken for up to 12 hours to enhance the balsamic and BBQ glaze.
- Prevent sticking: Lightly oil the grill or use a grill pan to avoid chicken sticking to the surface.
- Ensure even cooking: Pound the chicken thigh to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Basting tip: Reserve some marinade separately for basting while grilling to keep the chicken juicy.
- Alternative cooking method: If using an oven, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy twist: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chilli flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Smoky depth: Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to enhance the BBQ flavour.
- Sweet and tangy: Mix in 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic infusion: Add minced garlic or garlic powder for an aromatic boost.
- Herb boost: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme over the chicken before grilling.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Marinated chicken: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 hours before grilling.
- Leftover chicken: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze raw marinated chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out.