One-Pan Balsamic Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero

Are you tired of endless dishes after a delicious meal? Do you crave flavor but dread the cleanup? Look no further! The "One-Pan Balsamic Chicken" recipe is here to rescue your weeknights, offering a mouthwatering, healthy, and incredibly easy solution that's taking the internet by storm. This trending recipe combines succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, all cooked on a single sheet pan for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Why Everyone is Raving About One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

This recipe has quickly become a fan favorite for good reason:

Effortless Cleanup: The name says it all! One pan means significantly less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your evening.
Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, it's a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
Bursting with Flavor: The star of the show is the rich balsamic glaze, which caramelizes beautifully with the ingredients, infusing every bite with a delightful sweet and savory tang.
Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It's incredibly versatile!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a larger batch and have delicious, healthy lunches or dinners ready for the next few days.

Ready to see what all the hype is about? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 medium zucchini, chopped into 1/2-inch rounds or half-moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious One-Pan Balsamic Chicken.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Glaze In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This is your flavorful glaze!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl with the balsamic glaze. Toss everything gently until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the coated chicken and vegetables in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not too crowded to allow for even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. You can stir halfway through cooking for more even browning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly delicious and easy one-pan meal!

Pro Tips for Success:

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you're doubling the recipe, use two baking sheets to ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that lovely caramelization.
Vary Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, asparagus, or green beans. Add denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots earlier in the cooking process, or cut them into smaller pieces.
Marinate for More Flavor: For an even deeper flavor profile, you can marinate the chicken and vegetables in the balsamic glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
Serve With: This dish is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a simple green salad.