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If you are anything like me, you absolutely love foods with big, bold flavor. Anything acidic, spicy, tangy, or otherwise rather in-your-face really suits my palate. While bold usually also means time-consuming, one recipe immediately comes mind when I’m short on energy and craving something hearty. In my quest for easy recipes that really pack a punch, these Balsamic Chicken Thighs from Budget Bytes take the cake.
Quick, Easy, Cheap, and Healthy
Chicken thighs are often overlooked but are actually a rather healthy and affordable alternative to everyone’s favorite poultry: chicken breast.
For example, chicken thighs are packed with monosaturated fats (a.k.a. “good fats”) which help keep you feeling full and satisfied longer while giving your body fuel. For their price, chicken thighs are a great way to add protein to your meal and can easily absorb a lot of flavoring. And that’s exactly what this recipe really plays into with the marinade.
Balsamic Chicken Thighs Means Less Cost, More Flavor
This recipe really brings something special and is honestly very well thought out. The balsamic is balanced out with the brown sugar and the garlic adds a nice depth to the flavor. An easy meal to throw together on a busy day since it requires minimal prep and doesn’t need a lot of attention in the oven. I find that even if you don’t marinate the chicken and instead just cook it immediately, the end result is still delicious.
Before you start cooking, let’s go over why this particular recipe for balsamic chicken thighs makes our Tried & True recipes list. First, the folks at Budget Bytes are honest about the time and ingredients it takes to make this dish. In fact, if you’re at all experienced in the kitchen, this should take you less than an hour total. The ingredients should already be staples in your kitchen, so no extra, out-of-your-way shopping needed.
My only negative opinion regarding this recipe concerns the pricing. Though generally less costly than other meats, chicken thighs tend to be a bit more expensive than chicken breast and some other cuts. However, these balsamic chicken thighs still make for a solid, delicious, meaty meal for just a few bucks.
All in all, this is a fantastic recipe that makes a big statement on a small budget, with minimal effort. You can’t go wrong giving it a try for your next potluck or even a more elegant dinner option. Just switch up the sides and salad options and you’re all set!
Taylor Smith is a content writer and home chef with experience in the kitchen and a love for trying new foods and recipes.
