Lemon-Balsamic Chicken Thighs

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These quick lemon-balsamic chicken thighs are perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet and tangy onions complement the chicken that's slathered in a buttery sauce.

Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4
overhead view of all ingredients in various bowls/dishes

Jasmine Comer

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 4 large bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs., 3 oz. total), skin removed

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar

  • 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken all over with garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook, turning once, until well browned on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

    overhead view of chicken thighs being browned in a skillet

    Jasmine Comer

  2. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and onion to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.

    overhead view of thickened sauce with a wooden spoon in a skillet

    Jasmine Comer

  3. Whisk broth, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, thyme and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the broth mixture to the pan; cook for 30 seconds, stirring and scraping to loosen browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Partially cover and cook, turning occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part without touching bone registers 165°F, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Stir butter into the sauce. Serve the sauce over the chicken.

    four chicken thighs on a white plate
    Jasmine Comer
Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, July 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

340 Calories
20g Fat
9g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 thigh & 1/4 cup sauce
Calories 340
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 6g
Added Sugars 2g 4%
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 20g 26%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 162mg 54%
Vitamin A 137IU 3%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Vitamin D 8IU 2%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 14mcg 4%
Vitamin K 5mcg 4%
Sodium 429mg 19%
Calcium 29mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 35mg 8%
Potassium 423mg 9%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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