This easy one-pan balsamic chicken dinner is all about flavor and convenience! Juicy chicken is cooked with colorful veggies and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze for a tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly. If you prefer, thighs work too; they add extra flavor and stay juicy during cooking.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect as they cook faster and add a nice texture. You can substitute with regular potatoes (cut into small pieces) or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness, but any color works! Green peppers are slightly bitter, but if that’s your preference, feel free to use them.
Balsamic Vinegar: It gives a delicious tang. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substitutes, though the flavor will be different.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness to balance the acidity of balsamic vinegar. If you’re avoiding sugars, use a sugar substitute or leave it out altogether!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken So It’s Juicy?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature is crucial for juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C). Also, don’t let it sit too long after cooking; letting it rest for a few minutes will keep the juices inside.
- While baking, ensure even spacing for heat circulation; don’t overcrowd the pan.
- If using chicken thighs, they can handle a bit longer in the oven without drying out.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the balsamic mixture for a few hours or overnight.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Veggies:
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy one-pan balsamic chicken dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, for a total of around 50 minutes until dinner is on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential to getting your chicken cooked perfectly.
2. Make the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk this mixture together until it’s well blended and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
Take a large baking sheet or ovenproof dish and arrange the chicken breasts in the center. Surround them with the halved baby potatoes, sliced bell peppers, and trimmed green beans. Make sure to spread them out evenly!
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Don’t forget to toss the veggies a bit so they get coated nicely with the sauce.
5. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the chicken cooks through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that veggies turn tender.
6. Optional Broil for a Finish:
If you like that caramelized touch, you can set the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch closely to prevent any burning—this is just to add a nice finish!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take out the pan, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious, simple meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan balsamic chicken dinner!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, asparagus, or carrots. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to keep everything perfectly cooked!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar isn’t available, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as substitutes. Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity for a similar flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe with Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! They are more forgiving and keep moisture well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to reach the desired internal temperature.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
