One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken with a savory balsamic glaze, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or an easy dinner for guests. With a combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh herbs, the glaze infuses the chicken with rich, tangy flavor, while roasting vegetables alongside the chicken makes for a complete meal in just one pan. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.

The one-pan nature of the dish means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy cooks or anyone looking for a fuss-free dinner. The versatility of the ingredients means you can easily adjust the vegetables or add more of your favorite seasonings to make it your own. This guide will walk you through the preparation and cooking process, offer helpful tips for achieving the best results, and provide ideas for variations to keep the recipe fresh every time you make it.

Why You’ll Love One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, this one-pan meal comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Packed with Flavor: The balsamic glaze is rich and tangy, with a hint of sweetness, while the garlic and herbs elevate the taste. The chicken is juicy and tender, perfectly complemented by the roasted vegetables.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since the entire meal is prepared in one pan, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after dinner.
• Healthy and Versatile: You can customize the vegetables and make the dish as healthy as you want. It’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet, or for those just looking to eat a balanced, delicious meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later meals, ensuring you always have a tasty, nutritious option on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the vegetables used and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 12-15g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the One Pan Balsamic Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup baby carrots (or any other vegetable of choice, such as bell peppers or mushrooms)
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Special Equipment

While the recipe requires no specialized equipment, the following items will help ensure you achieve great results:

1. Large Skillet or Sheet Pan: A large oven-safe skillet or a baking sheet is essential to cook the chicken and vegetables together in the oven. If using a skillet, make sure it is oven-safe to withstand high heat.
2. Tongs: For flipping the chicken and stirring the vegetables, tongs are handy to keep everything in place and make sure nothing burns.
3. Measuring Spoons: For accuracy when measuring out the balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices.
4. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the chicken and vegetables into even pieces, ensuring uniform cooking.
5. Small Mixing Bowl: To combine the balsamic glaze ingredients before applying them to the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This glaze will be used to marinate the chicken and also to coat the vegetables. The sweetness of the honey balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, while the garlic and herbs add savory depth to the flavor.

2. Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board or plate. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken breasts, then season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. The olive oil helps the glaze adhere to the chicken and ensures it stays moist as it cooks. Once seasoned, pour about half of the prepared balsamic glaze over the chicken, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 5-10 minutes (or longer if you have time).

3. Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Slice the zucchini into half-moons, slice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. If you’re using baby carrots, you can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces depending on your preference. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are well-coated for roasting.

4. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

This step is optional, but searing the chicken before placing it in the oven adds flavor and helps lock in moisture. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal is not to cook the chicken through but to get a nice crust on the outside.

5. Arrange the Chicken and Vegetables on the Pan

If you’re using a skillet, you can continue using the same pan, or you can transfer the seared chicken to a baking sheet. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken on the pan, ensuring everything is spread out evenly. Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the vegetables, making sure they’re well-coated.

6. Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pan with the chicken and vegetables in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender. If you want the vegetables to caramelize a bit more, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked through, remove the pan from the oven. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the chicken and vegetables hot, ensuring to drizzle any leftover balsamic glaze from the pan over the top for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, you can use them in this recipe. Bone-in chicken takes a little longer to cook but offers additional flavor. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with your vegetable choices. Bell peppers, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus all make great additions to this dish.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for a spicy kick.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can really elevate the flavor of this dish. Toss a few sprigs into the pan with the chicken and vegetables for extra aromatic flavor.

Variations of One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes: Add halved baby potatoes to the pan with the vegetables. The potatoes will soak up the balsamic glaze and become crispy on the edges, making them the perfect accompaniment to the chicken.
• One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Spinach and Feta: For a Mediterranean twist, add fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese after baking. The spinach will wilt slightly from the heat, and the feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the balsamic glaze.
• One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the pan for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.
• One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Broccoli: If you’re craving more greens, toss in broccoli florets along with the other vegetables. Roasting the broccoli in the balsamic glaze adds flavor and tenderness.

Storage and Shelf Life

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is great for meal prep. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and vegetables in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables. Arrange the cooked chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen meal at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Pair One Pan Balsamic Chicken with these side dishes for a complete meal:

• Rice or Quinoa: A serving of rice or quinoa complements the roasted chicken and vegetables, adding a filling, healthy base to the dish.
• Garlic Bread: For a comforting addition, serve the chicken with some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: If you love Brussels sprouts, they make a perfect side dish to accompany the balsamic chicken, as their bitterness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the glaze.

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Conclusion

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a savory, satisfying dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you make it as is or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. The tangy balsamic glaze, combined with tender chicken and roasted vegetables, creates a meal that is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Enjoy the simple elegance of this one-pan wonder!