Savory Balsamic Chicken and Onion Delight
This dish is a succulent blend of tender chicken thighs marinated in robust balsamic vinegar and seasoned to perfection with marjoram and oregano. Paired with the sweetness of caramelized red onions, this dish delivers a delightful balance of flavors. Best served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, it’s an ideal comforting meal for any day of the week. While chicken breasts can be used, the higher fat content in thighs results in a much richer and flavorful experience. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for an added zing.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 (none)
Large red onion
1 (cut into thin rounds)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (divided)
Ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Flat leaf parsley
1 sprig (fresh, chopped (optional))
Lemon wedge
1 (none (optional))
Instructions
1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat.
2
Add thinly sliced red onion rounds to the pan.
3
Season the onions with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
4
Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they are caramelized.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-high.
6
Add the chicken thighs to the pan and season with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, dried marjoram, and dried oregano.
7
Cook the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until seared.
8
Pour 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar over the chicken.
9
Stir the mixture, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer for 25 to 35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
10
Uncover the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce has reduced to your liking.
11
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though thighs are recommended for a richer and more flavorful experience due to their higher fat content.
What type of onion is required for this dish?
A large red onion, cut into thin rounds, is used.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
What are the key seasonings for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, ground pepper, dried marjoram, and dried oregano.
How much olive oil is needed for cooking?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the recommended side dish for this recipe?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce.
How long should I sauté the red onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they are caramelized.
What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar acts as a robust marinade and creates a flavorful sauce that balances the sweetness of the onions.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
The chicken should simmer covered for 25 to 35 minutes until tender.
At what heat should the onions be sautéed?
The onions should be sautéed over high heat initially.
When should I add the balsamic vinegar?
Add the balsamic vinegar after searing the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.
Should the pan be covered or uncovered while simmering?
The pan should be covered during the initial 25 to 35 minutes of simmering.
How do I thicken or reduce the sauce?
Uncover the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce has reduced to your liking.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Optional garnishes include chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and lemon wedges.
How much balsamic vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How is the salt and pepper distributed in the recipe?
The salt and pepper are divided between seasoning the onions and seasoning the chicken thighs.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What heat setting is used for searing the chicken?
The chicken is seared over medium-high heat.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
The recipe specifically uses skinless chicken thighs.
Are the chicken thighs bone-in or boneless?
The recipe specifically uses boneless chicken thighs.
What provides the 'zing' at the end of the dish?
A squeeze of lemon from the optional lemon wedge garnish adds an extra zing.
What is the texture of the onions in the final dish?
The onions are caramelized, sweet, and tender.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh for the garnish?
While fresh parsley is suggested for garnish, you could use dried, though fresh provides better color and flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe for searching?
Associated tags include balsamic chicken, savory, chicken thighs, red onions, comfort food, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, and rice topping.
How much marjoram and oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried marjoram and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Standard ground pepper is used for seasoning.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Continue cooking the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end to allow it to reduce further.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be cut into thin rounds.