Best One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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In the fast-paced world we live in, finding meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare is essential. The One-Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe offers a perfect solution—combining tender chicken, a tangy balsamic glaze, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in a single pan. This dish not only saves time but also minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Each component of the One-Pan Balsamic Chicken contributes to a balanced and nutritious meal:

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• Chicken Breasts: A lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Rich in antioxidants, it may help in reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

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• Honey: Provides natural sweetness along with trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

• Vegetables (e.g., asparagus, carrots, tomatoes): Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Pour the glaze into the same skillet used for the chicken, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it slightly thickens.

3. Add the Vegetables

• Add the halved cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and green beans to the skillet.

• Toss the vegetables in the balsamic glaze to coat evenly.

• Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables.

4. Roast in the Oven

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

• Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.

5. Serve

• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Spoon the vegetables and balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts.

• Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

• Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.

• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.

• Glaze Consistency: If the balsamic glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• Meal Prep: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the balsamic glaze for a bit of heat.

• Herbaceous Twist: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fresher and more aromatic flavor.

• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely plant-based glaze.

• Low-Carb Version: Use non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or spinach and skip the carrots or potatoes if used.

• Sheet Pan Version: Instead of using a skillet, arrange everything on a sheet pan for even more ease and less mess.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways depending on the occasion:

• With a Grain: Serve over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous to absorb the flavorful balsamic glaze.

• Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad.

• With Bread: A slice of crusty artisan bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious glaze.

• Family-Style: Serve everything straight from the skillet or pan at the center of the table for a cozy, communal meal.

• For Meal Prep: Divide the chicken and vegetables into meal prep containers for ready-to-eat lunches throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs add a bit more flavor and juiciness. Just increase the cook time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Alternatively, marinate the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time to speed up prep.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, though the vegetables may soften upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and glaze separately and add freshly cooked veggies when reheating.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: The base recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure your balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is more than just a quick dinner — it’s a complete, wholesome meal that delivers big on flavor while being practical and nutritious. The tangy sweetness of the balsamic glaze enhances the juicy chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The ease of one-pan cleanup and flexibility to customize ingredients makes this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep sessions, or even casual entertaining.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans or asparagus, trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the balsamic glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove chicken temporarily.
4. Add vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add tomatoes and green beans. Stir for 2 minutes to slightly soften.
5. Return chicken & pour glaze:
   Place chicken back in the pan and pour the balsamic mixture over everything.
6. Bake:
   Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
7. Garnish & serve:
   Top with fresh basil and serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Add sliced red onion or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• For a thicker glaze, remove chicken after baking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes.
• This dish is great for meal prep — refrigerates well up to 4 days.

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