If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome meal that comes together quickly and dazzles your taste buds, this Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious balsamic glaze tinged with honey and herbs, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special on a weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, bringing texture, color, and flavor that make the dish irresistible. They are simple, fresh, and easy to find, which makes preparing this meal delightful and stress-free.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Stripped into tender bites, this protein forms the hearty base of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies, adding richness and depth.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced: Adds sweetness and a sharp pop of red color that brightens the plate.
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced: Brings a mild fruity crunch and sunny yellow vibrance.
- 1 green bell pepper sliced: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter balance to the sweetness of the other peppers.
- 1 medium red onion sliced: Provides natural sweetness and sharpness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that complements every bite.
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: The star of the sauce, giving the dish its signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and a subtle hint of umami.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to round out the seasoning.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A burst of green and freshness that brightens the presentation and taste.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear. Add the chicken strips, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked all the way through. This initial sear locks in juices and creates a savory crust that makes every bite satisfying. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can focus on the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the colorful bell peppers and the sliced red onion. Cooking them for 5 to 6 minutes softens the veggies just enough to make them tender while still retaining their satisfying crunch and vibrant colors. Throw in the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute — the garlic will release its intoxicating aroma, elevating the entire dish.
Step 3: Whisk and Add the Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens: the balsamic vinegar gives a sharp tang, honey adds sweetness, soy sauce offers savory depth, and the seasoning brings herbaceous notes all perfectly combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the sautéed vegetables, stirring gently to coat every morsel.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together carefully so the sauce envelopes both the meat and veggies. Let the dish simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly, thickening to a glossy glaze that clings tantalizingly to each component. At this point, everything is hot, infused, and ready to serve. If you like, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley to add a fresh green burst on top.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are ideal garnishes. Their bright, fresh flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a lovely visual pop to what’s already a dazzling plate. You can also consider a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you don’t mind a little cheese mingling with the Mediterranean flavors.
Side Dishes
This Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a wholesome and filling meal. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or even garlic bread if you want to turn things up for a cozy dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the chicken and peppers over warm tortillas for quick balsamic chicken wraps. Alternatively, pile the mixture on toasted ciabatta bread for a gourmet sandwich experience. When entertaining, try placing the chicken and peppers atop polenta or a bed of roasted veggies for an elegant presentation that impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. The flavors tend to deepen even more overnight, so it’s a win-win!
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and peppers without any rice or other grains to avoid sogginess upon reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and prevent drying out. If it looks a little thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooked, imparting even richer flavor, making them a fantastic choice for this balsamic chicken and peppers recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You sure can. Marinating the chicken in the balsamic sauce for 30 minutes or even a few hours before cooking boosts flavor significantly and saves time on busy days.
What can I substitute if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar is not available, a mix of red wine vinegar and a small amount of honey can mimic the sweet and tangy profile, but the unique depth of balsamic is worth searching for!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
This is an excellent dish for meal prep due to its balanced nutrition and easy storage. Just portion it into containers and enjoy quick, flavorful meals all week long.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe — it’s a harmony of vibrant colors, balanced flavors, and wholesome ingredients that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a celebration. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for fast, healthy, and delicious meals. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Balsamic Chicken and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Balsamic Chicken and Peppers recipe is a vibrant, healthy skillet meal featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with colorful bell peppers and red onion, all coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory and slightly sweet flavors with the freshness of garlic and herbs, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken strips to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced red onion. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables become slightly softened but still maintain some crunch. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and dried Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to coat all the vegetables thoroughly. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss everything together. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the balsamic chicken and peppers hot over your choice of rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a colorful mix of bell peppers to enhance the visual appeal and add a sweet, fresh flavor.
