This roasted grape chicken thighs dish brings together tender chicken, sweet roasted grapes, and savory aromatics in one comforting skillet meal. The grapes soften and caramelize in the oven, creating a naturally sweet sauce balanced by balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and rosemary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple yet impressive, using everyday ingredients that transform beautifully in the oven. The combination of sweet and savory flavors feels special without being complicated. Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup easy, and the result is juicy chicken with a rich, glossy pan sauce that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup organic balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil, sea salt, garlic, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary until well combined.

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and turn them to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Place a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the marinade in the bowl.

Sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden.

Add the halved grapes and chopped onion to the reserved marinade and toss to coat. Pour the grape and onion mixture along with the marinade into the skillet around the chicken.

Transfer the uncovered skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the grapes are soft and lightly caramelized.

Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: approximately 60 minutes

Variations

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Green seedless grapes can be used instead of red grapes for a slightly more tart flavor. Fresh thyme can replace rosemary for a different herbal note. For extra richness, sliced shallots can be used in place of onions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover roasted grape chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Add a small splash of water or olive oil if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs work well, but you may need to increase the oven cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Do the grapes become too sweet when roasted?

No, roasting deepens their flavor and balances their sweetness with the balsamic vinegar and herbs.

Can I marinate the chicken longer?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

What type of grapes work best?

Seedless red grapes are ideal because they roast evenly and offer a good balance of sweetness.

Can I make this recipe without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, any oven-safe skillet will work, or you can transfer everything to a baking dish after searing.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and can be prepared ahead for lunches or dinners.

What can I serve with roasted grape chicken thighs?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Can I reduce the amount of oil?

You can slightly reduce the oil, but it helps create a rich sauce and prevents sticking.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Fresh rosemary is recommended, but you can use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary if needed.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

Roasted grape chicken thighs are a wonderful way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal. The sweet grapes, savory herbs, and tender chicken come together effortlessly in one pan, making this recipe perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.

Print