If you’re on the hunt for a meal that checks all the boxes—quick, nutritious, vibrant, and full of flavor—look no further than this Balsamic Chicken and Veggies. With its zesty marinade, colorful medley of vegetables, and that irresistible balsamic glaze, this one-pan wonder brings joy to even the busiest weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan, One Clean-Up: Everything—chicken, veggies, and sauce—roasts together on a single tray, meaning less mess and more time to actually savor your meal.
- Big Flavor, Little Work: The combo of balsamic vinegar and zesty Italian dressing does all the heavy lifting for you, bringing brightness and depth with hardly any prep.
- Customizable for Any Craving: Swap in your favorite veggies or protein to keep things fresh and tailored to your tastes or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly and Nutritious: The whole crew will love the beautiful colors and seriously tasty results—plus, you’ll sneak a few extra veggies in with zero complaints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of kitchen staples and a rainbow of fresh produce, Balsamic Chicken and Veggies builds its irresistible flavor and texture from the ground up. Every ingredient here has a role to play, from the depth of the balsamic to the crunch and sweetness of each veggie.
- Chicken tenderloins or breasts: The lean, protein-packed foundation—choose tenderloins for speed, or slice breasts into even pieces for juicy bites every time.
- Balsamic vinegar: Delivers punchy tang and subtle sweetness, acting as both marinade and finishing drizzle.
- Zesty Italian dressing (fat free works!): A ready-made blend that amps up the herb and garlic notes with almost zero effort.
- Broccoli: Roasts up nutty and crisp-tender, soaking up all that delicious marinade.
- Baby carrots: Brings natural sweetness and color—halve them so they roast right alongside the broccoli.
- Cherry tomatoes: These burst and caramelize, adding juicy pops throughout the pan. Add later if you like them less roasted.
- Italian seasoning: Dried herbs that pull the whole dish together.
- Olive oil: Helps veggies char and caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle, all-over garlicky aroma without needing to chop.
- Cooking spray: A simple way to keep everything from sticking (especially important with that balsamic glaze!).
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season to bring all the flavors forward—don’t be shy here.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A finishing sprinkle of green freshness just before serving.
Variations
Balsamic Chicken and Veggies couldn’t be easier to adapt—with just a few simple swaps, you can make it suit almost any mood, market, or dietary style. Don’t be afraid to play around and make this dish your own!
- Change the Veggies: Try bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans for new colors and flavors.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or even chickpeas for plenty of plant-powered protein.
- Grain Bowl Style: Serve everything over quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a hearty twist that soaks up all the sauce.
- Low-Carb Swap: Use riced cauliflower in place of grains to keep it low-carb friendly without sacrificing satisfaction.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or drizzle with chili oil before serving for a gentle heat.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together your balsamic vinegar and zesty Italian dressing to create a bold and effortless marinade. Pop your trimmed chicken tenderloins (or sliced breast pieces) into a bag with about a third of the mixture. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time—to soak up every ounce of flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
Chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the baby carrots lengthwise. Spread the carrots, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes on a well-sprayed (or parchment-lined) sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat. For firmer tomatoes, add them halfway through roasting instead.
Step 3: Roast the Veggies
Slide the tray into your 400°F oven and let the veggies roast for 10–15 minutes. This gets everything started caramelizing and builds that divine “sheet pan roasted” flavor—just the ticket for cozy evenings.
Step 4: Add the Marinated Chicken
Take the pan out, give the veggies a quick flip, and push them to the sides. Lay the marinated chicken in the center and generously brush with another third of your balsamic-Italian dressing. This step ensures your chicken gets that saucy, sticky, unbeatable finish.
Step 5: Finish Roasting and Serve
Pop the tray back in the oven and roast for another 7–15 minutes, watching closely so nothing overcooks. Chicken should reach 165°F and still feel juicy. Once ready, let everything rest for a couple minutes, then drizzle with any leftover sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Marinate for Big Flavor: Letting the chicken sit in the balsamic-Italian mixture for even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in tenderness and depth—if you can plan ahead, marinate up to 6 hours.
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Keeping your chicken and veggies roughly the same size ensures they roast evenly and finish together.
- Tomato Timing: For juicier, less-melted tomatoes, add them to the tray 5–10 minutes after the broccoli and carrots start roasting.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your ingredients space so they roast, not steam—use a large pan or sheet tray for the best caramelization.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Garnishes
Finish with a bright shower of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A few curls of shaved Parmesan or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze just before serving can elevate the flavors and make your platter look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is lovely on its own, but it shines when served over a fluffy bed of rice, tender quinoa, or farro to soak up all that delicious sauce. A crusty hunk of bread makes sure not a drop goes to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each portion in shallow bowls, family-style on a big platter, or even as the star of a build-your-own grain bowl bar. For lunch meal-prepping, divide into containers with the grain of your choice and a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Balsamic Chicken and Veggies to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Everything holds up beautifully, and the flavors even deepen as they meld in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions for busy weeks—just let the dish cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, warm Balsamic Chicken and Veggies in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in bursts, adding a splash of water or extra balsamic dressing to keep everything tender.
FAQs
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Can I use different vegetables in Balsamic Chicken and Veggies?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile—try swapping in bell peppers, red onion, asparagus, or even mushrooms, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Just be sure to cut everything to a similar size so it cooks evenly.
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How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
To keep the chicken tender, don’t overcook it—monitor closely during the last stage of roasting and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The marinade also helps lock in moisture and flavor!
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Can I make Balsamic Chicken and Veggies ahead of time?
Yes—feel free to marinate the chicken in advance (up to 6 hours for maximum flavor), and chop the vegetables ahead of time. You can also roast everything and store in the fridge for easy weekday meals.
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Is this dish gluten free?
The main ingredients for Balsamic Chicken and Veggies are naturally gluten free, but always check your Italian dressing and balsamic vinegar labels to be sure if serving guests with celiac or gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Give Balsamic Chicken and Veggies a spot on your weeknight menu and see how easy, wholesome, and joyful dinner can be. I can’t wait for you to dive in and make it your own—here’s to delicious meals that bring everyone to the table!
PrintONE PAN Balsamic Chicken and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken marinated in a tangy balsamic and Italian dressing, roasted alongside fresh vegetables, creating a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing (fat-free recommended)
- 1–1/4 pounds chicken tenderloins or breasts
For the Veggies:
- 2 heads broccoli
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, salt, and pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the balsamic dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar and zesty Italian dressing.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinate the chicken in a portion of the balsamic dressing for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the broccoli, slice the carrots, and season with Italian seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the veggies: Roast the vegetables for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the chicken: Place marinated chicken on the tray, brush with the balsamic dressing, and return to the oven for 7-15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and veggies with the remaining dressing and parsley. Enjoy over rice or quinoa!
Notes
- Total time does not include marinating time.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg