If you’re looking for a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is the perfect solution. This recipe brings together tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a tangy balsamic glaze, all cooked on one pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a simple weekend meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors.
Table of Contents
Why This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies Recipe Works
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies recipe is perfect for those who need a quick and healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy while the veggies get roasted to perfection, absorbing all the rich flavors of the balsamic vinegar and seasonings. With minimal prep time and a single pan to clean, it’s also incredibly convenient. Plus, it’s a balanced dish, providing protein, fiber, and a healthy dose of nutrients from the vegetables.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that stays tender and juicy when baked.
- Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor and a nice texture, absorbing the balsamic glaze beautifully.
- Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful, they provide a crunchy texture and enhance the overall flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with sweetness, adding juiciness to the dish.
- Red Onion: Adds a sweet, slightly caramelized taste when roasted.
- Olive Oil: Helps to roast the vegetables and provides healthy fats.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The key ingredient that infuses the chicken and veggies with a tangy, rich flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a savory depth and aromatic element to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that enhances the dish with a savory, Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance all the flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well and are even juicier.
• Yellow Squash: A great substitute for zucchini if you prefer a different texture.
• Baby Carrots: For a sweeter, earthier flavor, swap in some baby carrots instead of bell peppers.
• Balsamic Glaze: If you want a thicker, sweeter sauce, you can drizzle some balsamic glaze on top after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare your chicken breasts by seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Surround the chicken with the prepared veggies.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- For a nice finish, broil for 2-3 minutes to get a crispy texture on the veggies and chicken.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer your vegetables extra crispy, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy texture.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies pairs perfectly with a side of quinoa, rice, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli. You can also add a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze or top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. If you’re looking to make the dish even more filling, consider adding roasted potatoes or a side of garlic bread.
Seasonal Twist: Fall-Inspired One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
For a seasonal twist, swap out the summer veggies for fall-inspired ingredients like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts. The rich sweetness of these vegetables pairs wonderfully with the balsamic vinegar, creating a warm, comforting meal perfect for chilly nights.
Conclusion
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies recipe is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken and roasted vegetables in a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish is not only easy to make but also healthy and customizable. With just one pan to clean, it’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or making it ahead for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for optimal texture. However, if you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Frozen chicken may release excess water, affecting the texture of the vegetables.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat to your One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken and vegetables before roasting or marinate the chicken in a spicy balsamic glaze.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time, marinate them in balsamic vinegar and seasonings, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply roast them in the oven.
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies recipe combines juicy chicken breasts and colorful roasted vegetables coated in a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a healthy, easy, and quick weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (about 10–12 tomatoes)
- 1 small red onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, mix zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Place the chicken on the baking sheet and arrange the seasoned vegetables around it.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a slightly charred finish, if desired.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
