Balsamic Butter Chicken Bites

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These balsamic butter chicken bites are crispy and sticky sweet, thanks to balsamic glaze. Cooking balsamic vinegar with a bit of brown sugar helps it achieve the perfect consistency to cling to the chicken. Serve these tasty bites on a platter with wooden picks for guests to enjoy, or get creative by wrapping them up in a sandwich or using them as a flavorful salad topper.

Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
8
the ingredients to make the Sticky-Sweet Balsamic Butter Chicken Bites

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

  1. Position rack in top third of oven; preheat broiler. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.

  2. Toss chicken, oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt on the prepared baking sheet until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Broil until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Remove from oven; discard any excess liquid.

  3. Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, mustard, brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring often, until thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter until completely melted and the mixture resembles a caramel sauce. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon for later use. Add the chicken to the balsamic mixture in the medium bowl; toss until evenly coated.

    a photo of the diced chicken in the balsamic mixture

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  4. Arrange the chicken mixture in a single layer on the same baking sheet. Broil until glossy and deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165°F, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven; brush with the reserved 1 tablespoon balsamic mixture. Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with thyme.

    a photo of the chicken on a sheet pan

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1/3 cup

Calories 174, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 88mg, Carbohydrates 3g, Total sugars 3g, Added sugars 1g, Protein 17g, Fiber 0g, Sodium 332mg, Potassium 220mg

EatingWell.com, February 2024

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