There’s something magical about a meal that combines bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and wholesome ingredients. That’s exactly what I’ve found with this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe. As someone who’s tested countless chicken recipes in my kitchen, I can confidently say this one stands out for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, along with its incredible ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this dish – it was on a hectic Wednesday evening when I needed something quick but didn’t want to compromise on flavor. What started as an experiment has become one of my most reliable go-to recipes. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized vegetables, and that luxurious balsamic glaze creates a restaurant-worthy meal right in your home kitchen.
Key Features
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Uses just one pan for easy cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free
- Rich in protein and vegetables
- Budget-friendly
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 medium (about 6 oz each) | Boneless, skinless |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 cups | Mixed colors if available |
| Brussels sprouts | 1 pound | Trimmed and halved |
| Red onion | 1 large | Cut into wedges |
| Garlic cloves | 6 whole | Peeled |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | Extra virgin |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 sprigs | Or 1 tsp dried |
| Salt | 1½ teaspoons | Kosher preferred |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
For the Balsamic Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Balsamic vinegar | ½ cup | High quality |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | Local if possible |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | Whole grain works too |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large sheet pan | Main cooking vessel |
| Small saucepan | For balsamic glaze |
| Measuring spoons | For accurate seasoning |
| Meat thermometer | For checking doneness |
| Aluminum foil | Optional for easier cleanup |
| Mixing bowls | For marinating |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (15 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with this mixture.
Vegetable Preparation
- Toss the prepared vegetables with:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Cooking Process (30 minutes)
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the center of your sheet pan.
- Surround the chicken with the prepared vegetables.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Making the Balsamic Glaze
While the chicken cooks:
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
Final Steps
- After 20-25 minutes, check chicken temperature (should reach 165°F).
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over chicken and vegetables.
- Return to oven for 3-5 minutes to caramelize.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
I’ve made this dish countless times, and here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients
- Take chicken out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking
- This ensures even cooking and better browning
- Vegetable Sizing
- Cut vegetables in similar sizes
- Ensures everything cooks at the same rate
- Pan Selection
- Use a high-quality, heavy-duty sheet pan
- Prevents warping and ensures even heat distribution
- Glaze Consistency
- The glaze should coat the back of a spoon
- If too thin, simmer longer
- If too thick, add a splash of water
Storage and Reheating
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | In airtight container |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Wrap individually |
| Meal Prep | 4 days | Keep glaze separate |
Reheating Instructions
- Oven Method (Preferred):
- Preheat to 350°F
- Heat for 10-12 minutes
- Add fresh glaze if needed
- Microwave Method:
- 2-3 minutes on medium power
- Add 1 tablespoon water
- Let rest 1 minute before serving
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this dish with:
- Fluffy quinoa or brown rice
- Crusty whole grain bread
- Fresh arugula salad
- Steamed asparagus
- Roasted sweet potatoes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
*Based on 4 servings
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time – they typically need 5-7 minutes longer.
Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from getting too soft?
Cut them slightly larger than bite-size and make sure your oven isn’t running too hot. A reliable oven thermometer can be helpful.
Q: Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I make this dish for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully. I recommend storing the glaze separately and adding it after reheating.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Good news – this recipe is naturally dairy-free! No modifications needed.
Recipe Variations
I’ve experimented with several delicious variations:
- Mediterranean Style
- Add olives and artichoke hearts
- Swap rosemary for oregano
- Include lemon wedges
- Autumn Harvest
- Use butternut squash and Brussels sprouts
- Add fresh sage
- Include cranberries
- Spring Version
- Add asparagus and peas
- Use fresh thyme
- Include lemon zest
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any of these common issues:
- Glaze Too Thin
- Simmer longer
- Add 1 teaspoon honey
- Vegetables Cooking Unevenly
- Cut more uniformly
- Rotate pan halfway through cooking
- Chicken Drying Out
- Check temperature earlier
- Consider brining beforehand
Remember, cooking is about learning and adjusting. Each time you make this dish, you’ll discover new ways to make it even better for your taste preferences.
