Description
Whipping up this delicious one-pan balsamic chicken turns weeknight dinners into something special. Tender chicken thighs get cozy with sweet balsamic glaze, creating a simple meal that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 red onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cooking Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Select a sturdy baking sheet to prevent warping during roasting.
- Create the balsamic glaze by whisking ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Thoroughly dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts using paper towels. This technique ensures better browning and crisp edges.
- Generously season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper on both sides. Arrange the pieces centrally on the prepared baking sheet.
- Surround the chicken with 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 sliced red onion, and 1 chopped bell pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
- Pour the prepared balsamic glaze evenly over the chicken and vegetables, using tongs to ensure complete coverage.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should look caramelized and tender.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before baking, if time permits.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar to intensify the rich, complex taste of the dish.
- For a low-carb version, swap honey with a sugar-free sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size to guarantee even cooking and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: One-Skillet
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg