Savory Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Zingy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe for Speedy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that bring flavor without complicated steps.

This one pan balsamic chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

The rich, tangy balsamic glaze coats tender chicken pieces in a luxurious sauce that speaks volumes about minimal effort and maximum taste.

Juicy chicken thighs sizzle alongside crisp vegetables, creating a complete meal in just one skillet.

The combination of robust herbs and sweet-acidic balsamic vinegar transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet notes that dance across your palate.

You won’t believe how quickly this restaurant-quality dish comes together with such straightforward ingredients and techniques.

Dive into this easy recipe and elevate your weeknight cooking game with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Tweak Ideas For One Pan Balsamic Chicken

  • Meal Prep Magic: Slice chicken into strips after cooking for easy lunch prep or salad topping during the week. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace zucchini and green beans with lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers to make this dish keto-friendly.
  • Protein Power Swap: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or use salmon, turkey, or tofu for different protein options that work beautifully with the balsamic marinade.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for those who enjoy a spicy kick, creating a more complex and exciting flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Herb Garden Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, parsley, or thyme over the finished dish just before serving to add a bright, fresh dimension and boost the aromatic experience of this one-pan wonder.

Serving Suggestions For One Pan Balsamic Chicken

  • Rustic Family Feast: Serve this colorful one-pan chicken with crusty bread to soak up delicious pan juices.
  • Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken and vegetables for a bright, herbal finish that elevates the entire dish.
  • Mediterranean-Style Plating: Accompany with a dollop of creamy tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce to complement the balsamic flavors and add a cool, tangy contrast to the roasted ingredients.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that matches the dish's bright, slightly sweet balsamic notes and cuts through the richness of the roasted chicken.

How To Store One Pan Balsamic Chicken

  • Quick Batch Prep: Cook multiple chicken breasts during weekend meal prep to use in salads, wraps, and grain bowls throughout the week. This strategy saves time and provides ready-to-eat protein.
  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from vegetables to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool chicken completely, then freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags for future meals. These will stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly stored.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture and preserve flavor integrity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients List For One Pan Balsamic Chicken

For Marinade:
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and helps tenderize the chicken, choose a high-quality aged variety for richer flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth texture and helps distribute flavors, select extra virgin for best taste.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken, opt for local raw honey when possible.
  • Garlic: Delivers robust aromatic punch, fresh minced garlic offers more intense flavor than pre-chopped.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity, look for a blend with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps break down protein, use kosher or sea salt for better texture.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth, freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.
For Vegetables:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Brings sweet burst of freshness, choose ripe and firm tomatoes for best roasting.
  • Green Beans: Adds crisp texture and nutritional value, select young and slender beans for tenderness.
  • Red Onion: Provides sharp flavor and beautiful color, look for firm bulbs with tight skin.
  • Zucchini: Offers mild sweetness and soft texture, pick small to medium sizes for even cooking.
For Finishing:
  • Olive Oil: Used for roasting vegetables, helps achieve golden crispy edges.

Tools Required For One Pan Balsamic Chicken

  • Mixing Bowl: Small bowl for whisking marinade ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
  • Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish: For marinating chicken.
  • Large Baking Sheet: Rimmed sheet for roasting chicken and vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.
  • Cutting Board: For preparing vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife: To chop and prepare vegetables.
  • Tongs: For handling and transferring chicken.
  • Meat Thermometer: To check chicken's internal temperature.

How To Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken At Home

  • Marinade Magic

Whip up a zesty blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, golden olive oil, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic. Coat tender chicken pieces generously, letting the flavors mingle and dance for about 30 minutes.

  • Veggie Prep

Scatter a colorful medley of crisp vegetables across a spacious baking sheet. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning to awaken their natural goodness.

  • Chicken and Companions

Nestle the marinated chicken among the vibrant veggies, creating a beautiful one-pan symphony of flavors. The chicken will cuddle up next to the vegetables, promising a delicious meal.

  • Oven Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a hot oven, allowing the intense heat to work its magic. The chicken will turn golden and juicy while the vegetables caramelize and soften.

  • Final Touch

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and vegetables are beautifully roasted, pull the pan from the oven. Let everything rest briefly, allowing the juices to settle and intensify the flavors.

  • Serving Delight

Transfer the sizzling chicken and roasted vegetables to waiting plates. Drizzle with the pan’s rich, flavorful juices for an extra burst of deliciousness that will make taste buds dance.

Print
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Savory Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Savory Balsamic Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Sizzling balsamic chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Succulent chicken thighs glazed in tangy balsamic sauce create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsps olive oil (for marinade)
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (for marinade)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (for marinade)
  • 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) green beans, trimmed
  • 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for vegetables)
  • ½ tsp salt (for vegetables)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (for vegetables)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, crushed garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant flavor base.
  2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for flavor enhancement.
  3. Oven Preheating: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C), setting the stage for high-temperature roasting.
  4. Vegetable Preparation: Combine cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and zucchini, tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a colorful medley.
  5. Sheet Pan Assembly: Spread the seasoned vegetables across a rimmed baking sheet, forming a flavorful foundation. Gently place marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetable landscape.
  6. Roasting Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165F (74C) and vegetables become tender and caramelized.
  7. Final Touch: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a glossy, slightly charred exterior on the chicken.
  8. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven, allowing chicken to rest briefly. Plate the roasted chicken with accompanying vegetables, drizzling pan juices for an extra flavor burst.

Notes

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to deepen taste and tenderize meat.
  • Prevent Dryness: Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and avoid overcooking, which can lead to tough, dry meat.
  • Vegetable Placement Matters: Spread vegetables in a single layer on baking sheet to promote proper roasting and prevent steaming, allowing caramelization and crisp edges.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe yet juicy results without guesswork.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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