Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes? This one-pan balsamic chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying without all the fuss.
This recipe delivers on taste and convenience, making healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful meal that the whole family will love, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and Red Onion
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan balsamic chicken recipe is a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly simple dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, sweet balsamic glaze, and fresh vegetables, it’s designed for minimal cleanup and maximum taste, making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
2. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure everything is well distributed so the flavors can meld.
3. Whisk Together the Balsamic Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and the honey has dissolved.
4. Coat Ingredients Evenly: Pour the balsamic dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. This ensures every bite is packed with taste.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the ingredients instead of roasting them, preventing that lovely caramelized finish. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
6. Roast Until Cooked Through: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), and the tomatoes are softened and slightly burst. You’ll see the edges of the chicken start to brown and the vegetables become tender.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately while warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: roasting
- Cuisine: mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, balsamic, one-pan, healthy, easy, weeknight, dinner, roasted, tomatoes, mediterranean
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This healthy balsamic chicken dinner is a true kitchen hero for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s designed for busy individuals and families who need a nutritious meal on the table without spending hours cooking or washing dishes. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners after work or school. The combination of tender chicken, sweet balsamic glaze, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is totally approachable for even the most novice cooks. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Serve it when you need a wholesome, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this one-pan wonder is straightforward. Most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, vibrant flavors that come from quality ingredients.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
For simple substitutions, feel free to use chicken tenders if that’s what you have on hand; just adjust the cooking time slightly as they cook faster. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, quartered Roma tomatoes work well too. Shallots can be used in place of red onion for a milder flavor. For the Italian seasoning, if you don’t have a pre-made blend, a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary will do the trick. For a vegan option, you could swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the best features of this healthy balsamic chicken dinner is its impressive speed. You can have a delicious and wholesome meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
This timeline assumes you’re working efficiently, but even if you take a little longer with your chopping, the overall process is incredibly quick and manageable. The active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your dinner bakes to perfection.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this flavorful one-pan balsamic chicken is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and delicious meal.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure everything is well distributed so the flavors can meld.
- Whisk Together the Balsamic Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and the honey has dissolved.
- Coat Ingredients Evenly: Pour the balsamic dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. This ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the ingredients instead of roasting them, preventing that lovely caramelized finish. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Roast Until Cooked Through: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the tomatoes are softened and slightly burst. You’ll see the edges of the chicken start to brown and the vegetables become tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately while warm.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This healthy balsamic chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a heartier meal, consider adding some diced bell peppers (any color!) or zucchini to the pan along with the chicken and tomatoes. They’ll roast beautifully and absorb the delicious balsamic glaze. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the dressing will give it a nice kick. For a touch of richness, crumbled feta or goat cheese can be sprinkled over the top after cooking.
When it comes to serving, this dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the flavorful juices. A side of roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the dish perfectly. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the chicken and tomatoes alongside some pasta or even with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also excellent for meal prep; simply portion it out into containers for healthy lunches throughout the week.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple recipe like this one-pan balsamic chicken, a few common mistakes can impact the final outcome. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfect results every time.
One frequent slip-up is overcrowding the baking sheet. When too many ingredients are packed onto one pan, they tend to steam rather than roast, leading to soggy chicken and vegetables instead of beautifully caramelized ones. To avoid this, always spread your chicken and vegetables in a single layer. If your pan isn’t large enough, use two baking sheets.
Another common issue is overcooking the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Keep an eye on the cooking time and, if you have one, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without going much higher. This will keep your chicken tender and juicy.
Not coating the ingredients thoroughly with the balsamic dressing can also lead to uneven flavor. Make sure to toss the chicken and vegetables well in a large bowl before spreading them on the baking sheet to ensure every piece is deliciously coated.
Finally, skimping on the parchment paper can make cleanup a chore. While you might think you can get away without it, parchment paper is your best friend for one-pan meals, preventing sticking and making washing up a breeze. Don’t skip this simple step!
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This healthy balsamic chicken dinner is fantastic for meal prepping and storing, making your weeknights even easier. Once cooked, allow the chicken and vegetables to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the food soggy.
Transfer the cooled chicken and vegetables to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, for a slightly crisper texture, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help maintain moisture if it seems a little dry.
While you can technically freeze cooked chicken, the tomatoes might become a bit mushy upon thawing due to their high water content. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish within the refrigerated timeframe. If you want to get a head start, you can chop the chicken and vegetables and prepare the balsamic dressing up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine and roast when you’re ready to cook. This significantly cuts down on active prep time on cooking day.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
