Busy nights call for recipes that are simple, flavorful, and don’t leave the kitchen covered in dishes. This 20-Minute One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables checks every box.
Tender chicken, colorful vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and rich balsamic vinegar come together in one skillet for a quick dinner with plenty of flavor. The balsamic reduces slightly as everything cooks, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Best of all, the whole meal can be on the table in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Serves 4
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 small red onion, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
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Fresh basil or parsley, for serving
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces or strips so it cooks quickly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet.
Add the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a little bite.
Add the cherry tomatoes and garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the balsamic
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and vegetables and toss everything together.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the balsamic to reduce slightly and coat everything in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
5. Serve
Remove from the heat and finish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve immediately on its own or alongside rice, couscous, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Why Balsamic Works So Well Here
Traditional balsamic brings both acidity and natural sweetness to the dish. As it heats, it becomes slightly thicker and more concentrated, balancing the savory chicken and roasted flavor of the vegetables.
Paired with a good extra virgin olive oil, it creates a simple pan sauce without the need for heavy cream, butter, or a long list of ingredients.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt.
Try swapping the vegetables for broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, green beans, or whatever you already have in the refrigerator.
For a little heat, add crushed red pepper.
For extra richness, finish the dish with crumbled goat cheese, feta, or freshly grated Parmesan.
And if you like a slightly sweeter balsamic glaze, stir a teaspoon of honey into the balsamic before adding it to the skillet.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Twenty minutes, one pan, and plenty of flavor.
This Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables recipe is an easy way to turn a few everyday ingredients into a dinner that feels anything but ordinary.
The secret is letting quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar do most of the work.