Herb-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy Pancetta and Balsamic Reduction
Indulge in this delightful recipe that features succulent chicken thighs simmered to perfection alongside crispy pancetta. The rich, savory flavors are elevated with a splash of white wine and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, creating a luscious sauce that's perfect for drenching the chicken. With roasted garlic and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is not only comforting but also visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. Share this dish with loved ones for a truly memorable meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
pancetta
2 (ounces, diced)
chicken thighs
8 (bone-in, skin-on)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
garlic cloves
8 (peeled)
white wine
3/4 (cup)
balsamic vinegar
2 (tablespoons)
fresh parsley
to taste (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large nonstick skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pancetta and sauté for about a minute until it begins to render its fat.
3
Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. Season generously with salt and pepper, then scatter the peeled garlic cloves around the chicken.
4
Cook the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes, rotating the pieces occasionally to ensure even browning. Once the skin is golden brown, carefully flip the thighs over and season the second side. Continue cooking until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
5
Transfer the browned chicken pieces to a plate and place them in the preheated oven to finish cooking (about 10-15 minutes).
6
While the chicken is in the oven, drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet. Over high heat, deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the mixture to reduce until it becomes thick and glossy.
7
Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar to create a rich sauce.
8
To serve, arrange the crispy chicken thighs on a platter, spoon the pancetta, garlic, and balsamic sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Herb-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy Pancetta and Balsamic Reduction.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What kind of chicken thighs are used?
The recipe calls for 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
How much pancetta is needed?
You will need 2 ounces of diced pancetta.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 8 peeled garlic cloves.
How much white wine is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of white wine.
How much balsamic vinegar is added?
Two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are used to create the rich sauce.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long do you sauté the pancetta?
Sauté the pancetta for about a minute until it begins to render its fat.
How should the chicken be placed in the skillet?
Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the shimmering oil.
When do you add the garlic cloves?
Scatter the peeled garlic cloves around the chicken after placing the thighs in the skillet.
How long should the chicken brown in the pan?
Cook the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes, rotating occasionally until the skin is golden brown.
When do you season the chicken?
Season the skin side with salt and pepper once in the pan, and then season the second side after flipping.
What is the oven cooking time for the chicken?
After browning, the chicken finishes in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.
How much fat should be left in the pan for deglazing?
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet before deglazing.
What is used to deglaze the skillet?
The skillet is deglazed with 3/4 cup of white wine over high heat.
How do you know when the wine reduction is ready?
The mixture is ready when it has reduced and becomes thick and glossy.
When is the balsamic vinegar added?
The balsamic vinegar is stirred in after the pan has been removed from the heat.
What garnish is used for this chicken dish?
The dish is garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for this recipe.
Does the garlic need to be chopped?
No, the recipe uses 8 whole, peeled garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine and features traditional flavors like pancetta and balsamic vinegar.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is savory, featuring succulent chicken, salty pancetta, and a tangy balsamic reduction.
Can this dish be served for special occasions?
Yes, its visual appeal and rich flavors make it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
What is the texture of the chicken skin?
The chicken thighs are cooked skin side down to achieve a crispy, golden brown texture.
How is the final dish plated?
Arrange the thighs on a platter and spoon the pancetta, garlic, and balsamic sauce over the top.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food dish.