If you’re craving a delicious dinner that’s as simple to prepare as it is impressive, One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is about to be your go-to recipe. This vibrant dish features juicy chicken breasts, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, all cooked together on a single pan for ultimate convenience. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and mouthwatering flavors that burst from every bite, One-Pan Balsamic Chicken works beautifully for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or whenever you want a nutritious meal that doesn’t taste like “healthy food.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of making One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is how everyday ingredients are transformed into something truly special. Each item brings its own pop of color or flavor, combining effortlessly for an all-in-one meal that feels anything but basic.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein that stays tender and juicy in the pan.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning both sides of the chicken ensures that every bite is flavorful from the inside out.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash is all you need to sear the chicken and sauté the veggies, bringing everything together with rich Mediterranean notes.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and burst of bright color make this dish feel fresh and lively.
- Green Beans: Trimmed beans add crunch and keep their vibrant green hue even after roasting.
- Red Onion: Sliced red onion softens in the oven for subtle sweetness and lovely purple accents.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the pan with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the show, creating a glossy glaze with distinctive tang.
- Honey: Just a tablespoon mellows the vinegar, balancing sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
- Dried Basil: Delivers gentle herby aroma throughout the entire pan.
- Dried Oregano: Layers in classic Italian seasoning with every bite.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): Sprinkle on just before serving for extra color and freshness.
How to Make One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F, giving you the perfect temperature for juicy baked chicken with slightly crisped veggies. Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This first step sets the stage for bold, flavorful bites all the way through.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet or sheet pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until just golden. This quick pan-fry locks in moisture and deepens the flavor—don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet, since they’ll finish in the oven.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Set the chicken aside and toss your cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and garlic right into the hot pan. Sauté the veggies for a couple minutes until they’re just starting to soften and pick up all those tasty bits left behind by the chicken. This is where the dish starts to come alive with aroma and color.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, dried basil, and dried oregano. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them. It only takes a moment, but this glossy glaze is what gives One-Pan Balsamic Chicken its signature depth and tangy-sweet finish.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them comfortably amidst the veggies. Spoon a bit of the sauce over each piece so every bite soaks up the flavor. The pan should look like a colorful mosaic—tempting enough to eat even before baking!
Step 6: Oven Time
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is ready once the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part, and the vegetables are roasted to tender perfection. This hands-off time means you can set the table, unwind, or just savor the aroma wafting from your kitchen.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
After baking, let the pan rest for five minutes. This brief pause lets juices settle for perfectly moist chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if you like—a simple touch that brightens the whole dish. Bring the pan to the table and invite everyone to dig in!
How to Serve One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil or parsley on top isn’t just for looks; it adds an extra layer of flavor and fragrance that complements the balsamic glaze fabulously. You can even zest a little lemon over the finished dish for a subtle pop of citrus.
Side Dishes
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is nearly a meal on its own, but it plays nicely with so many sides. Try it with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a toasted hunk of rustic bread to mop up all that incredible sauce. A side salad with crisp greens and vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant dinner, slice the chicken before serving and arrange it over a bed of vegetables on a platter. For a cozy weeknight, just bring the pan right to the table, family-style—let everyone help themselves! This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken also holds up beautifully for lunch the next day, layered in a wrap or served over quinoa bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra One-Pan Balsamic Chicken, you’re in luck—leftovers are a treat! Cool the chicken and veggies completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making your meals even tastier the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer completely cooled chicken and vegetables (with some sauce!) to a freezer-safe container or bag. Lay flat if possible for quick thawing. One-Pan Balsamic Chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, but don’t overheat—the chicken can dry out. The vegetables will remain juicy, soaking up more of the tangy glaze as they warm.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully in this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken. They add extra richness, and you can follow the same instructions; just be sure to check for doneness at the thickest part.
What can I substitute for green beans?
If you’re not a fan of green beans or want to change things up, try asparagus, zucchini slices, or even bite-sized pieces of broccoli. Feel free to add baby potatoes for a heartier meal—the oven time should be extended slightly to ensure they’re tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! One-Pan Balsamic Chicken fits beautifully into a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. All the ingredients are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making this a safe and wholesome choice for a variety of lifestyles.
Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?
This recipe is a superstar for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and vegetables in advance, portion them into containers, and refrigerate for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors develop even more as they sit, making every bite extra delicious.
What should I do if my chicken breasts are very thick?
If your chicken breasts are especially thick, you can pound them to even thickness before cooking or simply bake them a bit longer in the oven. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a recipe that brings everyone to the table with ease and plenty of flavor. I hope you’ll fall in love with One-Pan Balsamic Chicken—it’s truly one of those dishes that looks as beautiful as it tastes, and makes dinnertime feel like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!
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One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make one-pan balsamic chicken recipe that features tender chicken breasts cooked with cherry tomatoes, green beans, and a sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Brown chicken on both sides in a skillet, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook tomatoes, green beans, onion, and garlic in the same pan.
- Prepare Balsamic Glaze: Whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, basil, and oregano; pour over vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Place chicken back in the pan with vegetables and sauce.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until chicken is done and vegetables are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest, garnish, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap green beans with asparagus or zucchini, or add baby potatoes for variation.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats wonderfully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
