This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a total winner! Juicy chicken thighs are cooked with colorful veggies, all tossed in a tasty balsamic sauce. It looks great and tastes even better!
Cooking everything in one pan means less mess for me to clean up, which is always a plus. Plus, the smell while it cooks? Pure heaven! I can’t resist a meal that’s this quick and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you only have chicken breasts, that’s fine too, but they may dry out more. You can also use skin-on thighs for extra crispiness.
Bell Peppers: I chose red and yellow for a sweeter taste. Feel free to swap in green bell peppers or even other veggies like zucchini or broccoli based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch, but frozen green beans work well too. Just thaw them before adding to the pan. You could also use asparagus or snap peas for a twist.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is key for that tangy flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute red wine vinegar but add a bit more honey to balance the tartness. Apple cider vinegar can also work in a pinch!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy, Cooked Chicken?
Getting that perfectly cooked chicken is all about technique. Start by patting the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin brown nicely. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to sear it well.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to help keep the juices in. This step makes a big difference!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil mix)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one pan balsamic chicken dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and season them well with salt and black pepper on both sides. This adds delicious flavor to the chicken.
3. Searing the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step is key to locking in the juices. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the trimmed green beans. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, just until they begin to soften. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your meal.
5. Adding Flavor:
Add the minced garlic to the veggies and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic brings a lovely aroma that makes the dish even more tempting!
6. Preparing the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian seasoning. This tangy-sweet sauce will perfectly complement your chicken and veggies.
7. Combining Everything:
Return the chicken to the pan and pour that delightful balsamic mixture over the chicken and veggies.
8. Baking:
Now, transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the veggies are tender.
9. Garnishing and Serving:
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful one-pan dinner! It’s easy, tasty, and cleanup is a breeze!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan balsamic chicken dinner!
FAQs for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Asparagus, zucchini, or even broccoli work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as some vegetables may cook faster or slower than others.
Can I Marinate the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! Marinating the chicken in the balsamic vinegar and honey mixture for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor. Just reserve some of the sauce to pour over the chicken while baking so you have enough for the veggies and to prevent burning.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe with Bone-In Chicken?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. You might want to start cooking it in the oven for a bit longer before adding the vegetables to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
