One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with One-Pan Balsamic Chicken: a vibrant, easy weeknight dish that’ll dazzle your eyes and win over even the pickiest eaters at your table. Flavorful balsamic-glazed chicken breasts nestle alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant green beans, and sweet red onion, all mingling together in a single pan, creating a mouthwatering sauce you’ll want to savor with every bite. Whether you’re craving something comforting but light, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this dinner is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential—bringing its own flavor, texture, or color—making the One-Pan Balsamic Chicken truly shine. Let’s go over the stars of this show and why they matter!
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and the perfect canvas for the bold balsamic flavors—use boneless, skinless for the quickest results.
- Olive Oil: Adds luscious richness while helping everything sear and caramelize just right.
- Salt: Elevates all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly—don’t be shy!
- Black Pepper: A gentle kick that brings out the best in all the ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses everything with Mediterranean warmth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for irresistible aroma and a touch of punch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with sweetness and create luscious pockets of flavor.
- Green Beans: These add crunch, color, and a healthy, earthy contrast.
- Red Onion: Slices melt into the sauce, lending sweetness and visual appeal.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the show, it brings deep tang and beautiful syrupy glaze.
- Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Rounds the sauce out with a subtle sharpness and complexity.
- Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic garnish that wakes up every bite.
How to Make One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then generously sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Massaging the spices in a bit makes sure every bite is flavorful! This quick seasoning step guarantees your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is packed with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, lay the chicken breasts into the pan. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side—they should get nicely golden but don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken to a plate and get ready to build even more flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and sliced red onion to the same pan, stirring gently. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin softening and the tomatoes start to burst. These veggies are going to soak up all those golden brown chicken bits for incredible depth in your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This tangy-sweet mixture is going to become the luscious glaze that ties the dish together. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the veggies, then pour that glossy sauce all over everything.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The sauce will bubble and thicken, the veggies will grow tender, and you’ll have the most gorgeous, one-pan meal.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken comes out of the oven, generously spoon those saucy veggies over the chicken and scatter aromatic fresh basil on top. The final result is both beautiful and absolutely packed with flavor.
How to Serve One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the finishing flourish! Freshly chopped basil is a must for a bright, fragrant note. If you want extra pizzazz, try a sprinkle of crumbled feta, some cracked black pepper, or even a handful of microgreens for restaurant-worthy prettiness.
Side Dishes
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken begs for something to soak up the sauce: fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or tender quinoa all make fabulous choices. For a lighter option, pair it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash. A big green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette is always welcome, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your dinner extra memorable by serving the chicken family-style right in the skillet—perfect for sharing and keeping everything hot. For a plated presentation, slice the chicken and fan it over a pile of veggies, or spoon the sauce into shallow bowls for an elegant look. You can even tuck leftovers into a crusty ciabatta for a gourmet sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers (including sauce and veggies!) into airtight containers. They’ll keep deliciously well in the fridge for up to three days, making this dish just as tasty for lunch the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Simply portion the cooled chicken, veggies, and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Cover and warm gently until heated through, or microwave in bursts, taking care not to dry out the chicken. Fresh basil added after reheating really revives the flavors!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious in One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and stay marvelously juicy. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven to reach 165°F.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written! Just confirm your Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning are certified gluten-free if avoiding trace amounts.
Can I prep the veggies ahead?
Definitely. You can trim and chop the green beans, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the onion up to a day in advance. Store them in zip-top bags in the fridge for extra-easy dinner prep.
What can I use instead of green beans?
Zucchini, asparagus, or even bell peppers work beautifully in place of green beans for a seasonal twist. The key is to slice them so they cook in roughly the same amount of time as directed.
Why sear the chicken before baking?
Searing locks in juices and creates irresistible caramelization on the outside of the meat. That extra layer of flavor makes One-Pan Balsamic Chicken absolutely unforgettable, so don’t skip it!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend One-Pan Balsamic Chicken enough for saving weeknights and delighting anyone lucky enough to pull up a chair at your table. With minimal mess and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try, and don’t forget to enjoy every saucy, satisfying bite!
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One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then baked with a flavorful balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and red onions. It’s a one-pan meal that’s bursting with Italian-American flavors and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and red onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Make the balsamic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Combine and bake: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the balsamic mixture over everything. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, spoon sauce and vegetables over the chicken, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute asparagus or zucchini for the green beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
