This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a breeze to make! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tangy balsamic glaze come together for a tasty meal that’s ready in no time.
You’ll love how everything cooks in one pan—fewer dishes to wash! I often add extra veggies just because I can, and it makes the dish even better. Who doesn’t love easy clean-up? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the star here! If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time a bit for larger pieces.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy sweetness. If you don’t have it, try red wine vinegar mixed with a little sugar or apple cider vinegar for a similar effect.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Both create a lovely glaze. For a sugar-free option, use agave or a sugar substitute, though you might want to adjust the amount to taste.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions bring color and flavor. Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, like asparagus or carrots!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s the scoop for perfect results every time. First, make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. If they’re too thick, pound them down a bit. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to start off with the right temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer! It’s the best way to check that your chicken has hit the safe cooking temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps juice redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one pan meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to whip up a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken will cook properly when it’s time to bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor to your chicken, making it even more delicious!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same pan, add the minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften up a bit. This helps build flavor and gets the vegetables ready for the main event!
5. Make the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and dried Italian seasoning. This sweet, tangy sauce will be the star of the dish! Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the pan.
6. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them right among the veggies and the rich sauce. Everything will cook together beautifully!
7. Bake the Dish:
Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer if you have one!
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the pan from the oven. Spoon some of the delicious pan sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a garnish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your one pan balsamic chicken dinner hot! It pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy every bite!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots would also work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of vegetable used.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar or honey to mimic the sweetness and tang. Apple cider vinegar is another alternative you can use in a pinch.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover the pan tightly. When you’re ready to cook, you can bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep everything moist.
