If you’re looking for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that feels like a cozy restaurant meal at home, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender chicken thighs soaked in a tangy balsamic glaze, paired with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp green beans, and sweet red bell peppers, all cooked together in one skillet—this dish delivers layers of flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect weeknight recipe that’s as elegant as it is easy, brightening your table with color and comfort in every bite.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that rich balsamic glaze to adding fresh textures and bright colors. The simplicity of these essentials means your dish comes together quickly but bursts with flavor.

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thick and juicy for a tender, flavorful bite every time.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken golden brown while infusing subtle richness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.
2 cups cherry tomatoes: Burst with freshness and a subtle tang that complements the chicken.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers crunch and a pop of color for visual and taste appeal.
1 cup trimmed green beans: Introduces a crisp texture that rounds out the vegetable medley.
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient that brings deep, tangy sweetness to the glaze.
1 tablespoon honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with natural sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth that elevates the entire dish.
1 bunch fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fragrant, fresh herb finish that brightens every bite.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season your chicken thighs liberally with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning is key to building that perfect savory base flavor that will soak beautifully into the juicy chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken thighs carefully into the pan. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelization which will make all the flavors sing in the final dish.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment. Using the same skillet, toss in the cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, and trimmed green beans. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes—just long enough to soften while still keeping that satisfying snap and vibrant color.

Step 4: Make the Balsamic Glaze and Simmer

Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create your luscious glaze. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour this mixture over everything. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the chicken achieves a juicy finish while the vegetables become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

When the chicken looks irresistible and the vegetables have softened just right, take the skillet off the heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute. Then plate your chicken and veggie combo, drizzling extra pan sauce over the top for that unbeatable tangy-sweet punch. Garnish with fresh basil if you like—this final touch takes the One Pan Balsamic Chicken from simple to spectacular.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves make a wonderful garnish, adding a pop of green and a hint of aromatic herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the balsamic’s richness. If you want to experiment, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavor experience.

Side Dishes

This chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile with sides. For a hearty meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta. If you prefer lighter accompaniments, a crisp garden salad or garlic bread are excellent choices. The dish’s robust flavors stand up well to a variety of side options, so feel free to pair it with whatever suits your mood and pantry.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve it right from the pan for an inviting, rustic vibe that encourages sharing. To impress guests, arrange the chicken and vegetables neatly on warm plates, drizzle with extra balsamic reduction, and garnish artistically with basil leaves. You could even turn this into a charming meal prep option by portioning it into airtight containers with cooked quinoa or rice for balanced lunches during your busy week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your One Pan Balsamic Chicken will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an easy choice for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and vegetables along with the sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky and prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave in short bursts, covering the dish to keep moisture locked in and stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during the cooking process. If using breasts, adjust cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out.

Is it necessary to cover the skillet while simmering?

Covering helps trap steam and keeps the chicken tender while allowing the flavors of the balsamic glaze to soak in. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end to reduce the liquid.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus depending on what you have on hand. Just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure everything finishes together.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar gives this dish its distinct tangy sweetness, but you can substitute with red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey for a similar flavor profile, though it won’t be quite the same.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The One Pan Balsamic Chicken keeps well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Portion it with grains and veggies for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a true gem in the kitchen—simple enough for weeknights, yet tasty and elegant enough for entertaining friends. The harmony of juicy chicken, sweet-tart glaze, and bright vegetables brings comfort and freshness to every bite. I hope you give it a try and make it your new favorite go-to recipe that’s both approachable and absolutely delicious.

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One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked with vibrant vegetables in a tangy balsamic and honey glaze. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for searing the chicken.
Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet and cook about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown, forming a flavorful crust.
Remove chicken: Transfer the seared chicken to a plate temporarily, freeing the skillet for vegetables.
Sauté vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, and green beans to the skillet; cook them for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic to create the tangy-sweet glaze.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the skillet and pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow everything to simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and vegetables are tender.
Rest the dish: Remove skillet from heat and let the chicken and vegetables rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken and vegetables, drizzle with pan sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
For extra flavor, marinate chicken in balsamic vinegar and honey mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use fresh vegetables for best texture and color.
Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American