Tender Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Juicy Balsamic Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this balsamic chicken that revolutionizes your meal routine.

Succulent chicken breasts marinate in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze that infuses deep flavor into every bite.

The recipe brings together classic ingredients with minimal effort for maximum taste.

Each tender piece emerges from the pan with a beautiful caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Herbs and spices blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Home cooks can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Serve this mouthwatering chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients to Kick Off One Pan Balsamic Chicken

For Marinade:
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy base that tenderizes and infuses rich flavor into chicken, choose a high-quality aged variety for deeper taste.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and adds smooth richness, select extra virgin for best results.
  • Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize chicken, opt for raw local honey for enhanced depth.
  • Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic punch and boosts overall flavor profile, fresh cloves deliver more intense taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Delivers herbaceous complexity, look for blends without added salt for better control.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps break down protein, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness, freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.
For Vegetables:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds burst of sweetness and juiciness, select ripe, firm tomatoes for best roasting.
  • Green Beans: Provides crisp texture and earthy flavor, choose fresh, slender beans for tenderness.
  • Red Onion: Introduces sharp, sweet undertones, thinly slice for even roasting and quicker cooking.
  • Zucchini: Contributes mild, tender element, pick firm zucchini without soft spots.
For Cooking:
  • Olive Oil: Helps vegetables roast evenly and prevents sticking, use extra virgin for better flavor.

Simple Tools to Pull Off This One Pan Wonder

  • Baking sheet: Large, rimmed sheet for roasting chicken and vegetables.
  • Small bowl: For whisking marinade ingredients.
  • Resealable bag or shallow dish: To marinate chicken.
  • Whisk: Essential for mixing marinade smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning amounts.
  • Cutting board: To prepare vegetables.
  • Chef's knife: For chopping vegetables and mincing garlic.
  • Tongs: Helpful for handling chicken and moving food on baking sheet.
  • Meat thermometer: To check chicken's internal temperature.

How to Sear, Bake & Glaze in One Pan

How to Sear, Bake & Glaze in One Pan
  • Craft the Flavor Bomb

Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl. Soak chicken in this magical marinade for 15-60 minutes, letting the flavors dance and infuse.

  • Warm Up the Kitchen

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F, prepping for a delicious roasting adventure.

  • Veggie Party Prep

Toss cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread these colorful friends across a baking sheet.

  • Chicken Takes Center Stage

Place marinated chicken onto the veggie-loaded baking sheet, ready for their flavor transformation.

  • Roast to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Chicken should reach 165F and veggies should look beautifully caramelized. For extra pizzazz, broil 2-3 minutes for a gorgeous glaze.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Let the chicken rest briefly, then plate with roasted vegetables. Drizzle those irresistible pan juices over everything for a final flavor punch.

Quick Fixes to Deepen That Balsamic Flavor

  • Flavor Boost Hack: Reserve a small amount of fresh balsamic marinade to drizzle over the finished dish, enhancing the bright, tangy flavor profile right before serving.
  • Pro Meal Prep Strategy: This recipe can be completely prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal planning.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace zucchini and green beans with lower-carb alternatives like cauliflower florets or asparagus to create a keto-friendly version of the dish that maintains the same delicious flavor.
  • Protein Swap Option: Easily substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer taste, or use salmon or turkey breasts for a different protein experience while keeping the same cooking method and marinade.
  • Herb Garden Upgrade: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil sprinkled over the chicken and vegetables before roasting to add an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the one-pan meal.

Serving Suggestions for This Savory Chicken Dish

  • Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange the balsamic chicken and roasted vegetables on a rustic wooden board for a stunning, restaurant-style presentation that highlights the vibrant colors and textures.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Companion: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a quick couscous salad to transform this one-pan meal into a complete, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired feast.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the balsamic's rich flavor with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the dish's sweetness and enhances the meal's complexity.

Keeping It Juicy for Next-Day Meals

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed containers keep food fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Quick Meal Prep Trick: Marinate chicken ahead of time and freeze in flat, sealed bags. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, saving precious weeknight cooking minutes and ensuring deep flavor absorption.
  • Portion Control Magic: Divide cooled chicken and vegetables into individual meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. These ready-to-eat portions make healthy eating convenient and reduce midday decision fatigue.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture and restore the dish's original juiciness.
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Tender Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Tender Balsamic Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

One-pan balsamic chicken delivers a harmonious blend of tangy and savory flavors perfect for weeknight dinners. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a simple yet elegant meal that satisfies home cooks and hungry families alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (100 g) green beans, trimmed
  • 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Chicken Marination: Immerse chicken breasts completely in the mixture, ensuring full coverage, and chill for 15-60 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
  3. Oven Preheating: Heat oven to 400F (200C), positioning rack in the center for optimal roasting conditions.
  4. Vegetable Arrangement: Toss cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and zucchini with a light olive oil coating, seasoning generously with salt and pepper, then spread evenly across a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Chicken Placement: Arrange marinated chicken breasts atop the vegetable medley, discarding excess marinade, ensuring even spacing for consistent cooking.
  6. Roasting Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes, tracking internal chicken temperature until it reaches 165F (74C) and vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
  7. Final Finishing: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a glossy, golden-brown chicken exterior; let chicken rest briefly to redistribute internal juices before serving with roasted vegetables and pan drippings.

Notes

  • Marinate Mindfully: Ensure chicken is completely submerged in marinade for even flavor distribution, avoiding dry spots that compromise taste.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F internal temperature, preventing undercooking or overcooking.
  • Vegetable Spacing Strategy: Spread vegetables in single layer without overcrowding to achieve proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
  • Broiling Boost: Watch carefully during final 2-3 minute broiling stage to develop rich caramelization without burning chicken surface.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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