This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a tasty way to make dinner without much fuss! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a yummy balsamic glaze all cooked together in one pan make for easy clean-up!
I love that everything cooks together, so the flavors blend perfectly. Plus, the balsamic adds a tasty zip that makes me feel like a chef—without the hard work! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for moisture and flavor, but boneless works too for quicker cooking. For a healthier option, use chicken breasts — just reduce cooking time.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness, but feel free to swap in green peppers or even zucchini for a different twist. Use whatever you have on hand!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish its key flavor. If you don’t have balsamic, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can work in a pinch, though they will alter the taste a bit.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I love using honey for a rich flavor, but maple syrup is a great vegan alternative. If you’re watching sugar intake, a sugar substitute also works here!
How Can I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Getting that crispy skin is all about the searing! Here’s how to master it:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps the skin sizzle and crisp up.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Sear the chicken skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes until it’s a beautiful golden color.
- Flip it only once to let the skin get that nice crispy finish. Too much flipping leads to sogginess!
With these tips, your chicken will be both crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (can substitute with boneless if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. So, within about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, one-pan dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get everything nice and hot for cooking!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them get crispy! Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides for flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-proof skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until the skin gets golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes. Afterward, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, baby carrots, onion wedges, and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften.
5. Make the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), oregano, and thyme. This will create a delicious sauce for your dish!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the balsamic mixture over the softened vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Then, return the chicken thighs to the pan, placing them right on top of the veggies.
7. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this warm, delicious meal hot from the oven! It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
Enjoy your scrumptious Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner! It’s sure to become a household favorite!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Just remember to pat them dry before seasoning!
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as alternatives. Just keep in mind that they might change the flavor a bit, so adjust the sweetness by adding a little more honey or maple syrup if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep things moist!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This balsamic chicken pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a simple green salad. You could also serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal!
