Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken: A Flavorful & Quick Weeknight Meal

February 14, 2025

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: One Pan Balsamic Chicken! This recipe is a true kitchen hero, bringing together tender, juicy chicken, vibrant roasted vegetables, and a rich, tangy balsamic glaze all on a single baking sheet. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave a homemade, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.

Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken breasts nestled among colorful cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, all coated in a luscious balsamic marinade and roasted to perfection. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a meal that’s both comforting and elegant enough for company. The best part? Cleanup is an absolute breeze, giving you more time to savor your delicious creation and relax.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Wonder

Effortless & Quick: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar, fragrant garlic, and dried oregano infuse the chicken and vegetables with incredible depth.
Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein and plenty of colorful veggies, it's a naturally nutritious meal.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks on one pan, meaning less washing up and more time for you!
Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

The beauty of this One Pan Balsamic Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. A Quality Chef's Knife will make quick work of chopping your vegetables for this simple dish.

For the Chicken and Veggies:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
1 cup zucchini, sliced
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the Balsamic Marinade:

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Get ready to simplify your dinner routine with these easy-to-follow steps. For another quick and flavorful chicken dish, check out our Irresistible Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms: A Flavorful Weeknight Stir-Fry.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Arrange Ingredients on the Pan

Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and zucchini around the chicken.

Step 4: Coat with Marinade

Drizzle the balsamic marinade generously over both the chicken and the vegetables, ensuring everything is thoroughly coated. You can toss the vegetables gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can learn more about safe cooking temperatures from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly delicious and easy meal!

Tips for Success & Variations

Don't Crowd the Pan: Give your chicken and veggies enough space on the baking sheet to roast evenly. If your pan is too crowded, the vegetables will steam instead of caramelize. Use two pans if necessary.
Marinating Time: While this recipe works great with immediate baking, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour (or even overnight in the fridge) for a deeper flavor infusion.
Add a Sweet Touch: A tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic marinade can enhance its sweetness and create a lovely glaze.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade will add a gentle kick.
Cheese Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking or just before serving can add a wonderful salty, savory note.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a complete meal in itself, but it can be easily expanded. Serve it alongside a simple Super Easy Peach Cobbler: A Sweet & Simple Homemade Dessert for a comforting end to your meal. You can also pair it with:

Garlic mashed potatoes
Creamy polenta
Fresh pasta
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for quick individual portions or gently warm in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

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Conclusion

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to how incredible simple, wholesome ingredients can be when brought together with a little love and a lot of flavor. It's the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will adore. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover the magic of one-pan cooking!

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this one-pan balsamic chicken recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli florets, green beans, or even sweet potatoes (cut into small pieces for quicker cooking) based on your preference and what's in season.

What are the best serving suggestions for One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy rice, quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

How long can I store leftover balsamic chicken and vegetables?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of extra balsamic vinegar or chicken broth to keep it moist.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative! They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier. Just note that chicken thighs might require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to breasts, so always check for an internal temperature of 165u00b0F (74u00b0C).

Eldralys Recipes

Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken: A Flavorful & Quick Weeknight Meal

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Wonder