This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a tasty, simple meal. Juicy chicken is cooked with colorful veggies, all coated in a yummy balsamic glaze. It’s as easy as toss and bake!
I love how everything cooks in one pan—fewer dishes to wash! Plus, the blend of sweet and tangy flavors makes this dish so enjoyable. Perfect for busy nights! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly. If you want a healthier option, consider using chicken thighs for more flavor. Also, tofu or chickpeas could be a great substitute for a vegetarian meal!
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add nice sweetness and color. You can swap them for any other bell peppers you have on hand or use zucchini or asparagus for a different veggie flair.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans keep their crunch during cooking. If fresh isn’t available, frozen green beans work well too. Just throw them in the pan without thawing!
Balsamic Vinegar & Honey: Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth. If you’re out, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar. Maple syrup can replace honey if you prefer a vegan option.
How Do You Get that Perfectly Sear on the Chicken?
Searing chicken gives it a lovely golden color and locks in juices. Here’s how to achieve that perfect sear:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. A good test is to sprinkle a few drops of water in—if they sizzle, the pan is ready!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side before flipping to ensure a nice crust forms.
Enjoy this meal knowing that it’s simple, quick, and all made in one pan! Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. 🍽️
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner will take about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking on the stove, plus around 20-25 minutes baking in the oven. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, red onion, green beans, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and smell amazing!
4. Mixing the Balsamic Glaze:
While the veggies are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme, and oregano. This mixture will give your dish that lovely glaze!
5. Combine and Bake:
Now, return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them among the sautéed vegetables. Drizzle the balsamic mixture evenly over everything so it’s well coated. This is where the magic happens!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (you want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once out of the oven, give it a moment to cool. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now, it’s time to serve this delicious dinner warm and enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes work well too. Just keep the cooking times in mind to ensure everything is tender and delicious!
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 enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture and chop the vegetables up to a day in advance. Just keep everything in separate containers in the fridge. When ready, sear the chicken and follow the cooking steps as directed.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This dish is delicious on its own, but to make it a complete meal, serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta. A simple side salad or crusty bread also complements the dish nicely!
