Black Garlic Balsamic Chicken

Featured in: Everyday Family Plates

This dish combines succulent chicken thighs with a rich black garlic and balsamic glaze, roasted on a sheet pan with vibrant vegetables. The marinade infuses the meat with sweet and tangy notes, while baby potatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini caramelize perfectly during roasting. It’s a straightforward method requiring minimal prep and cleanup, producing a flavorful, gluten-free dinner ideal for weeknights. Optional broiling adds crispiness to the skin, and resting the chicken enhances juiciness.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:21:00 GMT
Golden, roasted Black Garlic and Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan, with tender vegetables perfect for a weeknight dinner. Save
Golden, roasted Black Garlic and Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan, with tender vegetables perfect for a weeknight dinner. | poppyhearth.com

Succulent chicken thighs roasted with sweet black garlic, tangy balsamic glaze, and a medley of vegetables for an easy, flavor-packed one-pan meal.

This recipe quickly became a favorite for its simplicity and bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • Black garlic paste: 4 cloves black garlic, mashed into a paste
  • Balsamic vinegar: 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 3 tbsp (2 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for vegetables)
  • Honey: 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
  • Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tsp (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Kosher salt: 1 tsp + ½ tsp for vegetables
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp + ¼ tsp for vegetables
  • Baby potatoes: 2 cups, halved
  • Red onion: 1, cut into wedges
  • Red bell pepper: 1, cut into chunks
  • Zucchini: 1, cut into thick rounds

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Make marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together black garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Marinate chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and toss with half the marinade. Let marinate while preparing vegetables.
Prepare vegetables:
In another bowl, toss potatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread vegetables evenly over the prepared sheet pan.
Arrange on pan:
Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables. Drizzle remaining marinade over everything.
Roast:
Roast for 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature at least 165°F/74°C) and vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Optional crisping:
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crisp skin.
Rest and serve:
Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon pan juices over the top.
Vibrant image of easy Black Garlic and Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan: chicken, potatoes, and blistered red peppers. Save
Vibrant image of easy Black Garlic and Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan: chicken, potatoes, and blistered red peppers. | poppyhearth.com

This meal always brings the family together around the dinner table, enjoying each bite and sharing stories.

Notes

Pairs well with a light Pinot Noir or a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich flavors.

Required Tools

Large sheet pan, mixing bowls, whisk, parchment paper or foil, and tongs make preparation simple and efficient.

Allergen Information

Contains Dijon mustard. Double-check all packaged ingredients for gluten or allergen traces if needed.

Close-up of juicy Black Garlic and Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan with crispy skin, ready to be served. Save
Close-up of juicy Black Garlic and Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan with crispy skin, ready to be served. | poppyhearth.com

Enjoy this flavorful and effortless sheet pan dinner any night of the week for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Recipe Questions

What is black garlic and how does it affect flavor?

Black garlic is aged garlic with a sweet, mellow taste and a soft texture, adding depth and subtle sweetness to dishes.

Can regular garlic be used instead of black garlic?

Yes, roasted regular garlic can substitute for black garlic for a milder, familiar flavor profile.

How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly with vegetables?

Arrange chicken and vegetables evenly on the sheet pan and roast at 425°F until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the vegetables are tender.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or citrusy Sauvignon Blanc complement the flavors; simple greens or crusty bread also work well.

Can I add other vegetables to the sheet pan?

Yes, cherry tomatoes or carrots can be added for additional color and sweetness.

Black Garlic Balsamic Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with black garlic and balsamic, roasted with a colorful medley of vegetables.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cooking duration
35 minutes
Total duration
50 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details No dairy, No gluten

Required Ingredients

Poultry

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (2 lbs)

Marinade & Sauce

01 4 cloves black garlic, mashed into a paste
02 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
03 2 tbsp olive oil
04 1 tbsp honey
05 1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
07 1 tsp kosher salt
08 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables

01 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
02 1 red onion, cut into wedges
03 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
04 1 zucchini, cut into thick rounds
05 1 tbsp olive oil
06 ½ tsp salt
07 ¼ tsp black pepper

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to facilitate cleanup.

Step 02

Mix Marinade: In a bowl, whisk black garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 03

Marinate Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, transfer to a bowl or zip-top bag, and toss with half of the marinade. Set aside to marinate while preparing vegetables.

Step 04

Prepare Vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine baby potatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat.

Step 05

Assemble Sheet Pan: Evenly spread the vegetables across the prepared sheet pan. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables and drizzle the remaining marinade over the entire pan.

Step 06

Roast: Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Step 07

Optional Broil: For crispier skin, broil the chicken and vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of roasting.

Step 08

Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon pan juices over the top for added flavor.

Tools needed

  • Large sheet pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Tongs

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon). Check all packaged ingredients for gluten or allergen traces.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 430
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 32 g