One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dinner that dazzles with both flavor and ease, One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled alongside a riot of colorful, caramelized veggies, all roasted together on a single pan and cloaked in a zippy balsamic glaze. This dish delivers bright, balanced tastes with almost no cleanup, making it perfect for hectic evenings or when you just want something satisfying without the extra hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Pan Balsamic Chicken lies in its fuss-free lineup of ingredients: a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce combine to create something extraordinary. Every ingredient is chosen for what it contributes, whether it’s zing, sweetness, or that all-important juiciness.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for faster, even cooking and a leaner meal.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for extra juiciness and a pop of color that turns sweet and tangy in the oven.
- Red onion: Sliced thin to mellow and caramelize beautifully alongside the veggies.
- Green beans: Trimmed and tossed in – they roast up tender with just a bit of crunch, keeping things vibrant.
- Balsamic vinegar: The hero of the glaze, offering a bold, tangy punch that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast to golden perfection.
- Garlic: Freshly minced so its flavor perfumes the whole pan.
- Dried basil: Helps infuse the meal with a gentle, earthy aroma.
- Dried oregano: Contributes subtle Italian herb notes to round out the flavors.
- Salt: Brings out every natural flavor – don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch can balance the acidity of the balsamic if desired.
- Fresh basil or parsley: The perfect finishing touch for a fresh, herbal pop right before serving.
How to Make One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First, set the stage by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). There’s something wonderful about sliding a full pan of dinner into a hot oven, knowing you’re just one step away from delicious. While the oven heats, grab your favorite large baking dish or a sturdy sheet pan so everything roasts evenly.
Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Mixture
In a small bowl, bring together the stars of your sauce: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a whisper of sugar if you like a hint of sweetness. Whisk until everything looks glossy and combined – this will be the zesty dressing that soaks into every ingredient.
Step 3: Pan Assembly
Arrange your chicken breasts smack in the center of the pan, then nestle the cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and green beans all around them. This veggie blanket not only looks gorgeous, but also lets the juices mingle so nothing feels left out. Pour the balsamic mixture generously over everything and gently toss the vegetables to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the whole pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be perfectly cooked and the veggies soft and just caramelized—check that the juices run clear and the vegetables are slightly blistered in spots. If you want deeper color, try broiling for a minute or two at the end (but keep a close eye on it!).
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is out of the oven, show a little patience: let everything rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute into every bite. Just before serving, shower the pan with fresh basil or parsley—this simple step takes the dish from weeknight staple to special occasion-worthy!
How to Serve One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, scatter chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. The herbs bring a burst of color and an irresistible aroma that complements the rich tang of the balsamic glaze. You could also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch, if you feel fancy.
Side Dishes
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, tender quinoa, or even a piece of crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory juices. If you’re keeping things light, a crisp green salad on the side makes a lovely balance, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Slice the chicken on a bias and fan it out over the roasted veggies for a restaurant-style look. Or, serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to turn this into a hearty, comforting meal—your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extras of One-Pan Balsamic Chicken store beautifully. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Tuck the chicken and veggies into the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to three days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each chicken breast individually with a portion of veggies in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer-friendly bag or container. The meal freezes well for up to two months, so you can savor those homemade flavors even on the laziest (or busiest) of nights.
Reheating
Reheat your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker fix. To keep the chicken tender, add a splash of stock or water before reheating and cover loosely with foil if using the oven.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the bake time as needed—thighs may take a few extra minutes, so check for doneness before serving.
Is it possible to marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s one of my favorite tricks! Let the chicken steep in the balsamic mixture for up to 30 minutes before baking for maximum flavor. This little step makes every bite taste extra delicious and is especially handy if you prep your meals earlier in the day.
What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is its flexibility. Swap green beans for asparagus, zucchini, or even bell peppers depending on what’s in your fridge. Just chop everything to equal size and watch the cook time so nothing overcooks.
Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written, so you don’t have to make any substitutions! Just be sure that your balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with a severe allergy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part—juices should run clear, and the meat should look opaque with no pink inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fast, vibrant dinner that covers all the bases, One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is your answer. It’s one of those rare recipes that fits busy weeknights and special dinners alike, with melt-in-your-mouth chicken and beautifully roasted veggies. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this dish—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so impressive!
Print
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with sweet cherry tomatoes, savory red onions, and crisp green beans, all roasted together with a balsamic vinegar glaze. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed)
Balsamic Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Balsamic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Assemble Dish: Place chicken in a baking dish, surround with tomatoes, onions, and green beans. Pour balsamic mixture over everything.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in the balsamic mixture for added flavor.
- Substitute green beans with asparagus or zucchini.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
