There’s something so satisfying about a meal that practically makes itself—and this Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe is exactly that. With its tangy balsamic glaze, tender chicken, and perfectly roasted veggies, it’s a go-to when you want dinner to be simple but full of flavor.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times I've turned to this Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe after a busy day. It’s easy, healthy, and everything comes together on just one pan—which means minimal cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
- One-pan magic: Prep, roast, and serve all on one sheet pan—simple and mess-free.
- Balsamic glaze: The tangy-sweet sauce adds depth without being overpowering.
- Veggie-packed: Broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and tomatoes deliver color, nutrition, and texture.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or adjust seasonings to match what you love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe shines because of the balance between succulent chicken and fresh vegetables drenched in a flavorful balsamic marinade. The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen for taste and nutrition.
- Balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient, it brings a rich tanginess that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Avocado or olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps everything brown and crisp instead of drying out.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic offers aromatic punch and depth.
- Brown or Dijon mustard: Optional but recommended—it adds a subtle sharpness that complements the balsamic.
- Fresh basil (or thyme and basil): Herbs brighten the dish and add that fresh garden flavor.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken (breast, tenders, or thighs): Thighs give more juicy results, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat.
- Broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized florets so they roast evenly.
- Carrots: Cut into skinny sticks for quicker roasting and tender bites.
- Button mushrooms: Their earthy flavor adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet balsamic.
- Red onion: Chunky pieces add sweetness and texture as they roast.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: Added near the end to keep them juicy without turning mushy.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap out veggies or amp up the flavor based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
- Variation: I once tried swapping chicken thighs for turkey tenderloins—different texture but same easy prep and delicious result.
- Dietary tweak: Use coconut aminos instead of balsamic for a gluten-free, soy-free option.
- Seasonal switch: Swap mushrooms and broccoli for asparagus or zucchini in spring and summer.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Magic Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—it saves on cleanup! Next, mix balsamic vinegar, your oil of choice, minced garlic, chopped basil, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything’s well combined. This marinade is what brings the whole dish to life, so take a moment to enjoy the aroma as you whisk.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken in a zip-top bag or container, then pour about half the marinade over it. Toss to ensure every piece is coated, then pop it in the fridge. I like to toss mine around a couple times if I'm marinating for longer, but even 15 minutes helps build flavor. This step also tenderizes the chicken wonderfully.
Step 3: Prep and Toss the Veggies
While your chicken is soaking up that balsamic goodness, chop your broccoli into florets, peel and slice carrots into skinny sticks (this helps them cook through more evenly), quarter mushrooms if large, and dice the red onion into big chunks. Toss these veggies—aside from tomatoes—in the remaining marinade. I like to use my hands here—it helps massage the sauce into the broccoli and mushrooms for better flavor absorption.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Spread out the veggies on your sheet pan and give them a bit of space. Move them around to create room, then nestle the marinated chicken pieces alongside. Make sure you discard any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken for safety. Pop the pan into your preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Finish Roasting
After 10 minutes, pull the pan out and scatter the tomatoes over the veggies. Give everything a gentle toss—this keeps veggies from burning and helps the tomatoes soften just right. Slide the pan back in and roast for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—once the internal temperature hits 165℉, you’re good to go!
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh chopped basil over the dish for a bright, herbal finish. Serve straight from the pan and watch everyone dig in—quick, easy, and endlessly satisfying.
Top Tip
I’ve made this Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe dozens of times, and a few little tricks really make a difference. Here’s what I’ve found helps me get it just right every time.
- Marinate ahead: Even 30 minutes helps, but if you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, it deepens the flavor and tenderness.
- Cut carrots thin: Skinny sticks roast faster, so your veggies all finish cooking at the same time—no one wants crunchy carrots with tender chicken!
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid overcooking chicken and drying it out—165℉ is your magic number.
- Hand-toss veggies: Rubbing the marinade into the broccoli and mushrooms with your hands ensures every bite is flavorful.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I always add a scattering of fresh chopped basil right before serving—it lifts the dish with its fresh, bright flavor. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little parmesan cheese for a touch of savory creaminess that pairs beautifully with the balsamic.
Side Dishes
While this sheet pan recipe can stand on its own, I like to serve it with a simple side like garlic bread or a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, some fluffy quinoa or steamed rice soaks up the balsamic juices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged the chicken and veggies on a large platter, drizzled with a bit more balsamic reduction, and topped with microgreens. It makes a beautiful centerpiece and guests love the colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Just portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind veggies might be softer after freezing but the flavors hold up nicely.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in a 350℉ oven on a foil-lined pan to keep the chicken juicy and veggies crisp-ish, especially for leftovers from this Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe. Microwaving works too, but watch the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for even cooking, you can use chicken tenders or even bone-in pieces if you adjust cooking time accordingly. Just make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. You can even chop the veggies in advance to save time on the day you want to cook.
No worries! Fresh basil adds a lovely bright note, but if you don’t have it, dried basil or other herbs like thyme or oregano work fine. Just adjust quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Definitely! You can skip the chicken and roast the veggies in the balsamic marinade longer, or add plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas to keep it hearty and satisfying. Adjust cooking times based on what you use.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight staples, mostly because it’s fast, flavorful, and forgiving. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it delivers that cozy home-cooked feel without the fuss. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat like I do!
Print
Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies recipe is a healthy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender balsamic-marinated chicken breast and a mix of roasted broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, red onion, and tomatoes. Easy to prepare and baked together on a single sheet pan for minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup avocado or olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon brown or Dijon mustard (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped, plus additional for topping
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, tenders or thighs (if large, cut in half)
- 3 small heads broccoli, chopped into pieces (about 4-5 cups total)
- 3-4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into skinny sticks
- 2 cups button mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
- 1 small red onion, diced into larger chunks
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare your sheet pan.
- Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, avocado or olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, mustard if using, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade and sauce.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or glass container. Pour about half of the balsamic sauce over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate to marinate while you prep the vegetables. The chicken can marinate up to 24 hours ahead.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop broccoli into florets, peel and cut carrots into skinny sticks for tenderness, halve or quarter mushrooms if large, and dice the red onion into larger chunks.
- Coat Vegetables: Arrange all vegetables except the tomatoes on the lined sheet pan. Pour the remaining balsamic sauce over them and toss to coat evenly, massaging the broccoli florets to absorb the sauce.
- Add Chicken to Pan: Move the vegetables aside on the sheet pan to make space and place the marinated chicken pieces on the pan. Discard any leftover marinade used for the chicken.
- Bake First Stage: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Toss: After 10 minutes, add the cherry or grape tomatoes to the pan. Toss the vegetables gently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Return the pan to the oven.
- Bake Second Stage: Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—when it reads 165℉ in the thickest part of the chicken, it is ready.
- Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven, top with additional chopped fresh basil, serve, and enjoy your balsamic chicken and roasted vegetables!
Notes
- This meal is conveniently cooked all on one sheet pan, which means less cleanup and easy preparation.
- Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Cutting carrots into skinny sticks helps them cook more evenly and become more tender.
- Use parchment paper on the sheet pan to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165℉ for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 353 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 325 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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