Chicken with Balsamic BBQ Sauce
09I haven’t watched Food Network in a really long time. The shows are becoming worse and worse (another show for Sandra Lee? Really?), and the ones I can stomach just keep airing episodes I’ve already seen a million times. Plus, I don’t have a whole lot of time to watch TV these days.
About a week ago, though, I happened to have the new Cooking Channel on in the background, and an older episode of Everyday Italian (a show I actually like!) came on. Giada was making a balsamic barbecue sauce, which sounded delicious to me (despite the fact that I missed the beginning of the episode and didn’t know the ingredients). Even when I do see things on food channels that sound appealing, I generally don’t look up the recipes online because I a) am forgetful and b) already have four times more recipes saved than I could ever make in a lifetime. But this one sounded so good and so easy that I immediately went and bookmarked it on my web browser.
This is definitely more of a sweet barbecue than a spicy one. If you want to make it spicier or smokier you could add a minced chipotle, or even substitute chili sauce for the ketchup. I definitely recommend using a good quality balsamic vinegar; otherwise, if you use an overly acidic one, it will only become more acidic and concentrated as it reduces.
This was a really great sauce. It’s a nice change of pace from the typical barbecue sauce, and incredibly easy to make with ingredients we always have on hand. I’ll definitely make it again and will try it next time with the chicken grilled. I also think this would be great with pork. We ate the balsamic barbecue roasted chicken with some cheddar mashed potatoes and a salad.
Chicken with Balsamic BBQ Sauce
Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis
Serves 4-6
1 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. dijon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces
Preheat the oven to 425.
Combine the first 8 ingredients together in a small saucepan, and stir until all ingredients are incorporated. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by 1/3, about 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper and rub with a little olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Brush reduced sauce on the chicken and continue to roast until cooked through, about 25 minutes longer. Brush with additional sauce before serving.
Wow, balsamic BBQ sauce…have to try this one since I love balsamic vinegar…the chicken look so yummie!
Looks a little like the oil spill 🙂 but I bet it was tasty. How’s the little one?
gee thanks, joan. ;-P The little one is well! I can’t wait for him to start eating solids so I can start cooking for him, too.
I’ve had this recipe saved for like 2 years.. I just keep forgetting about it. I really do want to try it now though!!
I agree about the food network, but still do watch it on the occasion. Giadas BBQ sauc is definitley well timed.
I stumbled across your blog googling for a stuffed poblano recipe. I have read through some of your posts and love your blog and can’t wait to try some of your recipes.
Congratulations on the baby. There is no greater joy than being a parent.
Be well,
Susan
Thank you so much, Susan, and I’m glad you found your way here!
looks soooo good. I love balsamic on chicken. (especially when bacons involved too)
I have fell in love with balsamic lately, so this recipe is going on the must try soon list.