One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful One Pan Balsamic Chicken! This dish is all about juicy, tender chicken cooked with a luscious balsamic glaze, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs—all in just one pan. It’s the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you want something hearty, healthy, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner hassle-free.
• Big, Bold Flavors: The rich, tangy balsamic glaze clings to the juicy chicken and caramelized veggies, making every bite unforgettable.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, this meal feels indulgent but is incredibly nourishing.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, perfect for soaking up all that glorious balsamic flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the show, providing deep tangy-sweet notes that make the dish sing.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with irresistible savory goodness.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and caramelize the veggies beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Add a juicy, slightly sweet pop that pairs perfectly with the balsamic glaze.
• Red Onion: For a slightly sharp, sweet-savory flavor that deepens as it cooks.
• Fresh Basil: Torn and sprinkled over at the end for a fresh, peppery lift.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Throw in asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini to amp up the veggie factor.
• Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey cutlets or even firm tofu if you’re aiming for a vegetarian spin.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the balsamic glaze gives it a gentle heat that’s addictive.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or freshly grated parmesan over the finished dish for a salty, creamy contrast.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Slice the red onions thinly and halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Sear the chicken until it’s golden-brown on both sides. It doesn’t need to cook through just yet—just get that beautiful crust.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While the chicken sears, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Scatter the red onions and cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet.

Step 5: Pour the Glaze

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything, making sure the chicken is well coated.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Rush the Sear: A good golden-brown crust on the chicken means tons of flavor. Give it time to develop.
• Use High-Quality Balsamic: Since the vinegar is a major flavor player, go for one that’s rich and slightly syrupy for best results.
• Balance the Glaze: Taste the glaze before pouring it over—if it’s too tangy for your liking, add an extra drizzle of honey.
• Control the Simmer: If your glaze thickens too much before the chicken is cooked, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

How to Serve

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is super versatile when it comes to serving:

Over Rice or Quinoa

Spoon the chicken and vegetables over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or nutty quinoa to soak up every drop of that delicious glaze.

With Crusty Bread

Nothing beats mopping up that glossy balsamic sauce with a hunk of crusty bread—trust me.

Paired with a Salad

A simple arugula or spinach salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect crisp, fresh side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Just adjust the cooking time since bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook through. Make sure to simmer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What vegetables go best with balsamic chicken?

While cherry tomatoes and red onions are fantastic, feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans for extra color and flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This recipe holds up beautifully. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make the glaze thicker?

Yes! If you want a thicker glaze, simply let it simmer a few extra minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to because it’s just that good—and that easy. Bold, satisfying flavors, minimal cleanup, and loads of ways to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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