Easy Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken Thighs (meal prep staple!)

Easy Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken Thighs

This balsamic chicken thighs recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner.
What I love about this dinner sheetpan dinner is that it takes almost no prep, uses simple ingredients, and somehow tastes like you worked way harder than you did.

I’ve been making this for quick weeknights when I don't want to stand at the stove, just throw it in the oven and dinner’s handled. It makes great leftovers for salads or wraps the next day. Easy to make a full meal up by adding veggies like Brussel sprouts or cherry tomatoes right to the pan.

If you like this dish, you should try my Easy Sweet Potato Taco Bowl (Healthy Meal Prep!), Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs, Lemony One Pan Pasta with Salmon & Asparagus (no cream!)or my The Best Sheet‑Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Dinner

• Easy cooking: One pan, minimal dishes, and mostly hands off
• Healthy ingredients: Simple, whole ingredients
• Versatile meal: Serve it with roasted veggies, salad, or over rice, it works with pretty much anything.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs – juicy, flavorful, and forgiving (no risk of drying out).
• Balsamic vinegar – adds tangy depth and caramelizes as it roasts.
• Olive oil – helps the marinade cling and keeps the chicken tender.
• Brown sugar – balances the acidity of the vinegar and gives that glossy, sticky finish.
• Garlic – the base of the marinade’s flavor (and always a must).
• Italian seasoning – brings herbs and warmth without needing multiple spices.
• Salt & pepper – simple but essential for flavor.
• Fresh parsley or basil – adds color and freshness before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs, just increase cook time by 10–15 minutes.
• Add cherry tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, or zucchini to make it a full one-pan meal.
• Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese for richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Toss chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes (or skip if you’re in a hurry).
Step 4: Arrange chicken on the sheet pan in a single layer. Discard leftover marinade.
Step 5: Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and caramelized.
Step 6: Spoon pan juices over the top and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Tips and Notes

• Line your pan for easy cleanup.
• Marinating helps deepen the flavor, but it’s still delicious baked right away.
• If using bone-in thighs, check for doneness at 40–45 minutes.
• Brush the chicken with pan juices halfway through for extra glaze.
• Double the recipe for meal prep, it makes great leftovers!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but keep cook time to about 20–22 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Nope, the flavors develop even if baked immediately, but marinating adds depth.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.

Is this meal prep friendly?
Absolutely! Store in containers with rice or veggies for easy weekday lunches.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the glaze.
• Pair with a green salad or The Best Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Garlic & Parmesan.
• Slice leftovers for wraps or grain bowls.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or feta just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm in a skillet or oven until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.

Tips:

• Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it juicy.
• Leftovers are also great cold on salads!

I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
It is my goal to inspire you to create healthy and easy meals.
It would mean the world if you could leave a review or a star rating below!

Easy Sheetpan Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Marissa

These Easy Sheetpan Balsamic Chicken Thighs are the perfect meal prep for busy weeks that are so flavorful and pair with anything!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

 

• Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Add chicken thighs to a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over and toss to coat. If you have time let sit for 15–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
• Arrange chicken on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Discard excess marinade.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is caramelized on the edges.
• Spoon any pan juices over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.