Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a weeknight lifesaver when you want bold flavor, wholesome ingredients, and minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken cooks alongside colorful vegetables in a tangy-sweet balsamic sauce that reduces into a glossy glaze right in the pan. Everything finishes together, making this recipe both practical and satisfying.
This dish is naturally family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for busy evenings when you still want a comforting, homemade meal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken
This recipe checks all the right boxes for everyday cooking.
- One pan means less cleanup
- Sweet and tangy balsamic flavor everyone enjoys
- Juicy chicken with tender vegetables
- Easy to customize with what you have
- Ready in about 35 minutes
It is simple enough for beginners and reliable enough to keep on regular rotation.
Ingredients for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Chicken
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Vegetables
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1.5 cups green beans or asparagus, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Balsamic Sauce
- 0.33 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra cracked black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken choice: Thighs stay extra juicy, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly.
- Sweetener swap: Maple syrup works well instead of honey.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts are great alternatives.
- Low sugar: Reduce honey to 1 tablespoon and rely on tomatoes for natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil until smooth.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Lower heat slightly. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and green beans, stirring briefly to coat in pan juices.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it among the vegetables. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over everything.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Uncover for the last few minutes to let the sauce reduce slightly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Spoon sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Use a wide pan so the sauce reduces instead of steaming.
- Do not overcrowd vegetables so they stay tender-crisp.
- Taste sauce near the end and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Let the chicken rest 3 minutes before serving for best juiciness.
Flavor Variations
- Garlic lovers: Add two extra cloves of garlic.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Mediterranean: Add olives and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Herb-forward: Finish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve one pan balsamic chicken with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. It also pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a flavorful weeknight meal made with juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, all cooked together in one pan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1.5 cups green beans or asparagus, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.33 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Extra cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until lightly golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil together in a small bowl.
- Add garlic to the pan and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and green beans, stirring to coat.
- Return chicken to the pan and pour balsamic sauce over everything.
- Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Uncover, spoon sauce over chicken, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use a wide pan so the balsamic sauce reduces properly and avoid overcrowding the vegetables for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
FAQ About Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes. After searing the chicken, transfer the pan to a 400°F oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. The balsamic flavor is mild and slightly sweet. Reduce vinegar slightly if needed.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely. It reheats well and works great for lunches during the week.
Final Thoughts
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is proof that flavorful, comforting meals do not require complicated steps or piles of dishes. With juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. It is a dependable dinner you can turn to again and again.