Let me tell you, one pan balsamic chicken has become a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason! Picture this: a busy weeknight, and I’m craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter this dish—it’s so simple yet bursting with flavor. The tangy balsamic glaze seeps into the chicken and vegetables, creating a mouthwatering combination that never fails to impress. I love how everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Plus, you can toss in whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand. Trust me, the first time you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Get ready to savor this easy, flavorful meal that will have your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious one pan balsamic chicken. I promise you, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple!
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (thawed if frozen, about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved for a burst of flavor)
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed and ready to go)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (the star of the show, giving that tangy glaze)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to help everything roast beautifully)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced for that aromatic kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy; season it well!)
- Fresh basil for garnish (adds a lovely touch of color and flavor)
Make sure to gather everything before you start. Having all your ingredients prepped really makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Getting this one pan balsamic chicken ready is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through each step! Let’s dive in, shall we?
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely roast that we all crave. While the oven is heating up, you can multitask and prep the rest!
Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Then, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to your liking. Whisk it all together until well blended. This marinade is what brings the flavor magic to the chicken and veggies!
Coat the Chicken
Now, grab your chicken breasts and add them to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them around until they’re completely coated. You want every inch of that chicken to soak up the goodness—trust me, it’ll be worth it!
Arrange in Baking Dish
Next, place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. Now, it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes and green beans around the chicken. I like to nestle them right in there so they can soak up all those delicious juices while baking. If you have any extra marinade, drizzle it over the veggies for an extra flavor punch!
Bake the Dish
Pop the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’ve got a meat thermometer, it’s a handy tool to ensure perfect doneness!
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some fresh basil on top for that vibrant touch and aromatic flavor. Serve it up as-is or pair it with rice or pasta for a heartier meal. You’re going to love this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why one pan balsamic chicken is a game changer in my kitchen! This dish isn’t just about great taste; it’s also about convenience and versatility. Here are some of the reasons you’ll adore making it:
- Quick and easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
- Minimal cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less time scrubbing dishes afterwards. Who doesn’t love that?
- Flavorful and healthy meal: The tangy balsamic glaze not only tastes amazing, but it also pairs beautifully with the fresh veggies, making it a wholesome choice.
- Versatile with seasonal vegetables: You can easily swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, making this dish adaptable to your taste or what’s in season.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners: It’s a no-fuss recipe that fits perfectly into busy schedules, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle!
Seriously, once you try it, you’ll understand why I keep coming back for more!
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips to share. Let’s get into it!
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness: If your chicken breasts are thicker than average, you might need to increase your baking time by a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them and check for that perfect 165°F (74°C) internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and crisp green beans. Fresh produce can elevate the dish and really make those flavors pop! Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
- Experiment with different vegetables: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can add new flavors and textures. Feel free to get creative with whatever you have on hand; it’s all about making it your own!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll not only nail the recipe but also discover new ways to fall in love with this dish every time you make it!
Variations
If you’re anything like me, you love to mix things up in the kitchen! The beauty of one pan balsamic chicken is its versatility. Here are some fun and delicious variations to keep your meals exciting:
- Add different herbs or spices: Try tossing in some dried oregano or thyme for an Italian twist. Fresh rosemary can also add an aromatic depth that complements the balsamic beautifully.
- Swap vegetables based on seasonality: Feel free to use whatever veggies are in season or that you have on hand. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts can bring a whole new flavor profile to the dish!
- Use different types of meat: Swap out the chicken for pork tenderloin or even fish like salmon. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fish cooks faster than chicken.
- Try plant-based substitutes: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or firm tofu. Marinate them in the same balsamic mixture for a delicious, plant-based meal!
- Incorporate different grains: Serve the chicken over quinoa, couscous, or farro instead of rice or pasta. This adds a nutty flavor and a nutritional boost!
These variations not only keep things fresh but also allow you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. So go ahead, get creative, and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious one pan balsamic chicken and now you have leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them perfectly!
First off, let your chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps your dish from getting soggy. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze the chicken! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in for a minute or two, but be cautious not to overheat it, as that can make the chicken tough.
And there you go! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken even after the first serving, savoring that delicious flavor all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! It’s important to note that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guideline rather than an exact measurement. Here’s a typical breakdown for one pan balsamic chicken:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind that these values can change based on how you customize the dish, so feel free to play around with ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Got questions about one pan balsamic chicken? No problem! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries to help you out. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. If you’re in a pinch, you can bake the chicken straight from frozen, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, adding an extra 10–15 minutes. Always check that it reaches that safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before digging in!
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! I love serving it over rice or pasta to soak up that tangy balsamic glaze. You could also try it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices. The possibilities are endless!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and when it reads 165°F (74°C), you’re good to go! If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
Hopefully, these answers help you feel confident in whipping up your one pan balsamic chicken. Enjoy every bite!
Print
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious one pan balsamic chicken dish that combines chicken with vegetables in a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them in the mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Add cherry tomatoes and green beans around the chicken.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Use seasonal vegetables for variety.
- Pair with rice or pasta if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one pan balsamic chicken, easy chicken recipe, balsamic chicken