Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering Mediterranean masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! These Balsamic Grilled Chicken Thighs with Tomato Bruschetta are not just a meal, they're a culinary journey that combines the rich, tangy flavors of balsamic vinegar with the fresh, vibrant essence of ripe cherry tomatoes. Imagine perfectly grilled, juicy chicken thighs topped with a burst of herbal freshness that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy - all in just 35 minutes of total cooking time!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
- While grill heats, prepare tomato bruschetta by combining halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard remaining marinade.
- Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crispy and slightly charred.
- Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate chicken thighs and top generously with fresh tomato bruschetta mixture.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process - those 15-20 minutes allow the balsamic vinegar to tenderize and infuse deep flavor into the chicken.
- Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat (400-450°F) to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and just-picked basil for the bruschetta to maximize flavor and brightness.
- Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after topping with bruschetta to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and cool, fresh tomato mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
