Chicken is so versatile, and most people like it. This version just takes a few minutes of attention. Marinate it overnight for full flavor, or for one hour if you don’t have time.
Boneless, skin-on chicken works well, as dark meat is more forgiving than breast meat, so the cooking time doesn’t have to be perfect.
The marinade ingredients could already be in your pantry: olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a common store-bought salt and pepper mix called Montreal Steak Seasoning.
Substitute any vinegar or oil. I like to use fresh rosemary, but you could use thyme, sage or marjoram, if available, or omit the fresh herbs.
This is the perfect time to bring out that old George Foreman Grill or panini press. Cooking it 5 to 10 minutes results in crispy skin.
No specialized equipment? You have three other choices — a grill, a skillet or your oven.
GRILLED BALSAMIC-ROSEMARY CHICKEN THIGHS
By Lynette Lo Tom
- 4 large chicken thighs with skin, boneless or bone-in (about 2.5 pounds if boneless)
- >> Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
In a bowl or plastic bag, combine chicken with oil, vinegar, steak seasoning and rosemary. Marinate overnight in refrigerator, or at least 1 hour.
One hour before grilling, take chicken out of refrigerator to come to room temperature.
Grill over charcoal or on a gas grill 5 to 10 minutes per side until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 180 degrees, measured with an instant-read thermometer. Add a few more minutes of cooking if the thighs have bones.
Chicken may also be cooked in a skillet: Brown in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, skin side down, then turn. Or bake 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven; then broil skin side up 1-2 minutes to crisp the skin. A George Foreman Grill would also work well, cooking both sides at once.
Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve hot. Serves 2 to 4.
Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (based on grilled): 550 calories, 39 g total fat, 9 g saturated fat, 260 mg cholesterol, 600 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 1 g sugar, 46 g protein.
”Easy Kine” features simple dishes that start with commercially prepared ingredients. Lynette Lo Tom is excited to hear your tried-and-true suggestions. Contact her at 275-3004, email lynette@brightlightcookery.com or via instagram at @brightlightcookery.
