Balsamic Glazed Hen Recipe (+ suggestions)

A brilliant easy marinade that transforms any lower of meat right into a savory-sweet delight! This Balsamic Hen with honey and basil is my go-to rooster dinner on busy nights.

I don’t know the place you might be in your cooking journey in life, however my first time alone within the kitchen was in faculty. (I grew up in a household obsessive about cooking and was a restaurant child within the summers). So, the primary time I might cook dinner what I wished, I had evaluation paralysis. Considered one of Rachael Ray’s exhibits was taking part in on the television after I was desperately attempting to resolve, so I simply copied her.

Rachael loves balsamic vinegar, and so I grew to become obsessed too. Particularly, when she mixed it with honey and basil, I fell in love. The straightforward taste mixture by no means left me, and it’s nonetheless my go-to marinade for rooster drumsticks, even in any case these years.

Balsamic rooster with honey and dried basil is a straightforward taste that everybody loves, even youngsters! The acidity of the vinegar marinates the rooster, the sweetness of the honey balances out the tang, and the basil is the herby freshness rooster wants. Memorize this marinade and apply it to something!

Balsamic Glazed Hen Elements

• Hen Drumsticks. One small pack of rooster drumsticks is about 1.5- 2 kilos. That is good for a household of 4, however if you wish to serve extra, merely double or triple the recipe.
• Balsamic Vinegar. One-quarter cup of balsamic vinegar. Remember to use the vinegar, not ‘balsamic glaze’ or ‘balsamic discount’ as a result of that has added sugar. Balsamic vinegar doesn’t comprise any added components like sugar, whereas balsamic glaze does!
• Honey. Three tablespoons of honey. It doesn’t have to be an excellent fancy flavored honey as a result of we’re going to be roasting the rooster on excessive warmth within the oven.
• Dried Basil. Two teaspoons of dried basil leaves. I actually don’t advocate contemporary as a result of they may burn within the oven, however in the event you love contemporary basil, sprinkle some on after baking (like I did for the pictures). In fact, it goes with out saying that we’d like salt and pepper for this balsamic rooster recipe, too! One teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly floor black pepper.

The right way to Make Balsamic Hen

1. First, preheat the oven to 400 levels, and line a big sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl (or plastic storage bag to reduce clear up), mix the balsamic vinegar, honey, basil, salt and pepper.

3. Combine nicely to mix the marinade, after which add the rooster, tossing to mix. Refrigerate and let marinate for not less than 1 hour and as much as 6 hours.

4. Take away the rooster from the marinade, and organize evenly spaced on a baking sheet. Don’t be tempted to pour extra marinade on high, as a result of it should burn within the oven.

5. Bake the rooster for 35-40 minutes, flipping after the primary 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the rooster is 165-degrees F on the thickest half.

What to Serve with Balsamic Hen

As you possibly can see within the video, I served this with roasted cauliflower and a facet salad. If the oven is already going to be cranked to 400-degrees, I’ll take benefit and slide one other pan of greens within the oven for a fast roasted facet dish. For summer season, serve this with stress cooker potato salad or my greatest recipe for mashed potatoes.

Ideas for Utilizing Marinades:

The honey balsamic glaze on this recipe is totally scrumptious, and there can be some left behind within the bowl. Resist the urge to brush it over the rooster after baking, as a result of it has come into contact with uncooked rooster. I don’t suppose I’ve to say issues like this, however I simply need to be protected. Please comply with all meals dealing with guidelines when cooking with uncooked rooster; I don’t need you to get sick! As soon as a marinade has touched uncooked meat, it needs to be thrown away. If you wish to brush additional balsamic glaze over the rooster after baking, take away a small portion of the marinade earlier than it comes into contact with the rooster. Then, brush the reserved marinade on after baking. I don’t suppose the recipe wants this, however I’m simply providing in case you’re tempted!