Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers: vibrant, easy, and absolutely bursting with tangy and savory flavors. In just one pan, you’ll get tender balsamic-marinated chicken thighs surrounded by caramelized veggies and crispy chickpeas—all finished with a touch of basil and an irresistible balsamic glaze. It’s colorful, comforting, and cleanup is almost nonexistent. Yes, your tastebuds (and dishwasher) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies means less cleanup but ALL the flavor, making busy weeknights a breeze.
- Vivid Flavors & Textures: The juicy, tangy chicken, toasty chickpeas, and roasted veggies create a delightful mix of tender, crispy, and bright in every bite.
- Naturally Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and a rainbow of veggies, this is a wholesome meal without feeling like “health food.”
- Super Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or add extra herbs—Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is the ultimate adaptable recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a starring role, from the savory balsamic-marinated chicken thighs to the chickpeas that crisp up like little flavor bombs. Just a few kitchen staples combine for a roast that’s both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
- Chicken Thighs (1 lb): Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and soak up all that punchy marinade.
- Balsamic Vinegar (2 tbsp): The star flavor—tangy, a little sweet, and utterly aromatic.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (2 tbsp total): Adds richness and helps everything roast up golden.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1 tsp, optional): Brings a hint of sweetness to round out the vinegar’s sharpness.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly minced for best flavor—garlicky goodness takes this over the top.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A classic blend for herbal, savory notes.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Never skimp! Used to season both chicken and veggies.
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15oz): Drained and rinsed, these roast up for a satisfying bite and added protein.
- Broccoli Florets (12 oz): Cut into bite-size pieces—they roast to nutty, caramelized perfection.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (8 oz): Juicy, sweet, blistered tomatoes add beautiful color and brightness.
- Basil Leaves (10 large, chiffonaded): For a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Balsamic Glaze: Optional, but highly recommended—it adds a glossy, tangy-sweet drizzle for serving.
Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable—use what you have or tailor Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies to fit your mood (or whatever’s in your fridge). Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Swap the Protein: Use boneless chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a meatless option—just adjust cook time as needed.
- Change the Veggies: Substitute cauliflower, zucchini, red bell peppers, or red onion for a new flavor and color combination.
- Make it Grain-Based: Serve everything tossed with cooked farro, brown rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle with smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, or even za’atar for a unique twist.
How to Make Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss until well coated. Let them marinate at room temperature—ideally for at least 15 minutes—while you get your veggies ready. The extra time in the marinade gives the chicken maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
Spread the rinsed chickpeas, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together so all the veggies and chickpeas glisten with oil and seasoning. Space them out as much as you can to ensure they roast and caramelize (not steam!).
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Nestle the marinated chicken thighs into open spaces among the veggies and chickpeas. Don’t forget to pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken and veggies for extra flavor! Slide the sheet into your oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are beautifully golden and tender.
Step 4: Broil for Extra Color (Optional)
If you love those deep, roasted edges, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on everything during this step—your Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies will go from perfectly burnished to too-done quickly! This step gives the chicken and chickpeas a gorgeous, irresistible caramelized finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is golden and aromatic, pull your sheet pan from the oven. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze and a scattering of fresh, chiffonaded basil. That final touch transforms the whole dish into something truly special—bright, herby, and restaurant-worthy.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Best Marinade Timing: While 15 minutes will do, marinating your chicken for up to an hour (or even overnight in the fridge!) will unlock ultra-juicy, deeply flavored results.
- Veggie Placement: Spread the broccoli and chickpeas in a single layer around the chicken for maximum browning and caramelization—it prevents sogginess and gives you perfect roasted edges!
- Broil with Care: If using the broiler at the end, keep the sheet pan on the center rack (not too close to the heat) and supervise closely for that ideal roasted finish.
- Customize with Extras: Add a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or toasted pine nuts just before serving for an extra pop of flavor and richness—trust me, it’s irresistible.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Garnishes
A shower of chiffonaded basil and a slick of balsamic glaze brings the entire dish to life. If you have it, a handful of feta, shaved Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper will make your Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies look and taste extra special. Fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon won’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
This meal is amazing as-is, but if you’d like to bulk it out, serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or farro to soak up all those delicious juices. A crisp green salad on the side brings even more color and crunch. Warm, crusty bread to swipe through the pan drippings is always welcome at my table!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on everyday dinner, try arranging your Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies over a big platter for family style sharing, or build colorful grain bowls with prepped grains and an extra drizzle of glaze. Leftovers also make an insanely good filling for wraps, pita pockets, or tossed into a power salad the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the chicken, chickpeas, and veggies together so the flavors continue to meld and intensify. You’ll be surprised how good it tastes even on day two!
Freezing
You can technically freeze this recipe, but the texture of the roasted veggies and chickpeas will be softer after thawing. For best quality, freeze just the cooked chicken—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the veggies get a little crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven restores some of that original roasted texture. Don’t forget another drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving!
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Simply swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them if they’re very thick for more even cooking. Be sure to check for doneness a little earlier, since breasts can cook faster than thighs and you’ll want them juicy—not dry.
-
Do I need to peel the chickpeas?
There’s no need to peel chickpeas for this recipe. Just drain, rinse, and dry them well. If you want extra crispiness, rub them gently in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture before roasting.
-
Is Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies meal prep friendly?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and chop all the veggies in advance. Store them separately until ready to roast, then assemble and bake for a stress-free meal. Leftovers taste amazing for lunch, making it perfect for meal prepping your week.
-
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use two sheet pans and rotate them halfway through roasting for even cooking. It’s a fantastic way to feed a hungry group—trust me, there won’t be leftovers!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies should be at the top of your list. Every forkful is loaded with color, flavor, and a little dinnertime joy. Gather your ingredients, and let the oven do the magic—your family and friends are going to rave about this one.
PrintSheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make sheet pan recipe for balsamic chicken and vegetables, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Balsamic Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Sheet Pan Veggies:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed (15 oz)
- 12 oz broccoli florets (cut large ones down into smaller florets)
- 8 oz cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 10 large basil leaves, chiffonaded
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, garlic, and seasonings. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare Veggies: On a baking sheet, combine chickpeas, broccoli, and tomatoes. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat, and spread out evenly.
- Cook: Nestle marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and veggies. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with basil, and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition information does not include balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg