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

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Ingredients

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

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado

  • 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 recipe photo of the Sticky-Sweet Balsamic Butter Chicken Bites

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

EatingWell.com, February 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

208 Calories
13g Fat
3g Carbs
21g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1/3 cup
Calories 208
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 2g
Added Sugars 1g 2%
Protein 21g 41%
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 111mg 37%
Vitamin A 31µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 7%
Folate 4µg
Vitamin K 3µg
Sodium 386mg 17%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 1mg 5%
Magnesium 22mg 5%
Potassium 243mg 5%
Zinc 2mg 15%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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