This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Juicy chicken breasts paired with colorful roasted vegetables and a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze come together on a single sheet pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This balsamic chicken recipe will quickly become a family favorite because it's:

Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
Made entirely on one pan for easy cleanup
Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables
Gluten-free and dairy-free
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Adaptable to what you have on hand
Bursting with sweet and tangy flavors
Healthy without sacrificing taste

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and serve as the hearty base of this dish. They absorb the balsamic flavors beautifully and remain tender when cooked properly. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.

Olive oil creates the foundation of our sauce and helps everything roast beautifully. It prevents the chicken from drying out and helps the vegetables caramelize. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Balsamic vinegar is the star ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive tangy-sweet flavor. It reduces slightly in the oven to create a glaze that coats the chicken and vegetables. Traditional balsamic from Modena adds the best flavor, but any balsamic vinegar will work.

Honey balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and helps create that irresistible glaze. It also aids in caramelization, giving the chicken a beautiful color. Maple syrup makes a good substitute if you prefer.

Garlic powder provides convenient garlic flavor throughout the dish without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic. It infuses the oil and creates a delicious aromatic base.

Dried thyme adds an earthy, slightly floral note that pairs perfectly with the sweet-tangy balsamic glaze. This herb complements both the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Don't be shy with these seasonings as they help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Red bell pepper adds vibrant color, sweet flavor, and vitamin C to the dish. When roasted, it becomes deliciously sweet and tender.

Zucchini contributes a mild flavor that absorbs the balsamic mixture wonderfully. It's a versatile vegetable that roasts quickly alongside the chicken.

Red onion provides a wonderful aromatic base that sweetens as it roasts. The purple color adds beautiful contrast to the dish, and its flavor mellows and caramelizes in the oven.

Cherry tomatoes burst in the oven, releasing their sweet juices that mingle with the balsamic glaze to create an incredible sauce. They add bright pops of color and flavor throughout the dish.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts in the center of a baking sheet.
Arrange the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, onion, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Drizzle the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Toss the vegetables slightly to coat in the sauce.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables, and drizzle any remaining balsamic glaze from the pan over the top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for an individual. Each serving contains approximately 310 calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese (added after baking) for a Mediterranean twist.

Herbed Chicken: Add fresh rosemary and oregano to the balsamic mixture for an herb-forward flavor profile.

Spicy Balsamic Chicken: Include red pepper flakes in the balsamic mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Root Vegetable Version: Swap the summer vegetables for heartier options like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips for a fall/winter variation.

Italian-Inspired: Add Italian seasoning to the balsamic mixture and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Maple Balsamic: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweet note that pairs beautifully with the balsamic vinegar.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as the chicken continues to absorb the balsamic glaze.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze the chicken and vegetables separately from any extra sauce for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though the vegetables may become softer. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating to refresh the flavors.

Meal Prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Divide into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The chicken and vegetables hold up well for several days in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and typically stay juicier than breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly—chicken thighs usually take about the same amount of time but are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable way to check chicken doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest part—the meat should be completely white with no pink areas.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all ingredients and even mix the balsamic sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Alternatively, you can fully cook the dish and reheat when needed.

What other vegetables work well in this recipe?

This recipe is extremely versatile! Try broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, or eggplant. Just be aware that some vegetables cook faster than others, so you may need to add quicker-cooking vegetables partway through the baking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just double-check your balsamic vinegar to ensure it doesn't contain any gluten-containing additives.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! Substitute 2-3 minced garlic cloves for the garlic powder. However, be aware that fresh garlic can burn during the longer cooking time, so you might want to tuck it under the vegetables or add it halfway through cooking.

What can I serve with this balsamic chicken?

This one-pan meal is complete on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like quinoa, brown rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes cut into chunks. Cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended because they hold their shape better during roasting and create nice bursts of flavor, but larger tomatoes will still be delicious.

How can I make the balsamic glaze thicker?

For a thicker glaze, transfer the pan juices to a small saucepan after baking. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened, then drizzle over the chicken and vegetables before serving.

Can I make this recipe without honey for a sugar-free version?

Yes, you can omit the honey for a less sweet, more tangy version. You could also use a sugar-free substitute like monk fruit sweetener or a sugar-free maple syrup if you want to maintain the sweetness without the sugar.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is the definition of simple elegance—easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for company. With its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, hearty protein, and colorful vegetables, it's a complete meal that requires minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to customize it with seasonal vegetables or herbs you have on hand. The balsamic glaze ties everything together, creating a restaurant-quality dish that doesn't require advanced cooking skills.

Whether you're cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a foolproof dinner option that delivers on both flavor and nutrition, this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken delivers every time. The minimal cleanup is just an added bonus to an already stellar dish.