This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a fantastic mix of juicy chicken, sweet balsamic sauce, and colorful veggies. It’s all cooked in one pan for easy clean-up!
I love how everything cooks together, making it a tasty and hassle-free meal. Plus, the chicken is so tender that it practically falls apart. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use chicken thighs. They add a richer flavor!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish its distinct flavor. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar can work too, though it’s a bit tangier.
Honey: I find honey really balances the balsamic’s acidity. If you’re looking for a healthier option, maple syrup can substitute well.
Vegetables: Baby potatoes, carrots, and green beans provide color and nutrients. You can swap the green beans for broccoli or add bell peppers for a different twist.
How to Get the Chicken Nice and Golden?
Searing chicken helps seal in flavor and gives it a beautiful color. To achieve that golden brown, keep a few things in mind:
- Preheat your skillet and make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan—it’s better to sear in batches if your skillet is small.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes before flipping to develop a nice crust.
Following these tips will leave your chicken deliciously golden and cooked right through! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook in the oven. In total, you’ll spend about 35 minutes making this delicious one-pan meal, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when you’re done prepping the meal.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to season them. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. After searing, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the halved baby potatoes and baby carrots. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they start to get tender.
5. Add Green Beans and Garlic:
Now toss in the trimmed green beans and minced garlic, stirring them all together with the potatoes and carrots until well mixed.
6. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. This will create a delicious glaze for your chicken and veggies!
7. Combine Everything:
Return the seared chicken to the pan, placing it among the vegetables. Then, pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the chicken and veggies for added flavor.
8. Bake the Chicken Dinner:
Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and that the vegetables are tender.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done baking, remove the pan from the oven and garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley. This will add a nice pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your delicious, simple one-pan balsamic chicken dinner! It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for this recipe. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight, or use the microwave’s defrost setting before cooking for even results.
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While the baby potatoes, carrots, and green beans work beautifully, feel free to swap them for your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great options!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep everything moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep this dish ahead of time by seasoning the chicken and chopping the vegetables. Combine everything in the pan, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking it. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
