One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich balsamic glaze, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This recipe not only offers incredible flavor but also ensures minimal cleanup since everything cooks in just one pan. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility; you can easily adapt it to include your favorite vegetables or herbs. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in under an hour. Perfect for families or even as a special treat for two, this one-pan wonder will surely impress anyone at your dinner table. Get ready to enjoy a wonderful culinary experience without the hassle of multiple pots and pans cluttering your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without stress
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of ingredients delivers outstanding flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your palate
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess in the kitchen, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than cleaning up afterwards
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and the goodness of vegetables if added, this dish makes for a nutritious weeknight dinner choice
Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Dried Oregano: This herb complements the other flavors beautifully; however, feel free to substitute with Italian seasoning if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use them liberally to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly once placed in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Spray a large oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Season both sides of the boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add seasoned chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on each side—about 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked through, remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times.
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes during baking for added nutrition.
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight in balsamic vinegar before cooking.
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Light and nutritious, they enhance the meal without overpowering it.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken marinade a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storing: Leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
What is One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy balsamic glaze. This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is marinated in balsamic vinegar, which enhances its flavor and tenderness. The entire meal cooks together in one pan, reducing cleanup time while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
How long does it take to prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Preparing One Pan Balsamic Chicken takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. This makes the total time around 40 minutes from start to finish. To make this dish even quicker, you can marinate the chicken beforehand or use pre-chopped vegetables. The quick cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy while the veggies retain their crunchiness. This is an ideal option for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I make One Pan Balsamic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also chop your vegetables in advance and keep them stored separately until you’re ready to cook. However, for best results, it’s recommended to cook the dish fresh if possible. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and easily reheated.
What vegetables pair well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Several vegetables complement One Pan Balsamic Chicken wonderfully. Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes are excellent choices. These veggies not only add color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Just ensure they have similar cooking times so everything cooks evenly together in one pan.
Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a healthy meal option due to its balanced ingredients. It features lean protein from chicken breast and an array of colorful vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals. The use of balsamic vinegar provides flavor without excessive calories or fat. For those watching their carb intake, this dish is low in carbs when enjoyed as is or can be served over a bed of greens instead of rice or pasta.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like turkey or pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian option, replace the protein with tofu or tempeh marinated similarly in balsamic vinegar. Adjust cooking times as needed since different proteins have varying requirements for doneness. Using seafood like shrimp could also work; just be mindful that shrimp cooks much faster than chicken.
Conclusion
One Pan Balsamic Chicken offers a delicious solution for anyone seeking a quick yet flavorful dinner option. With its balanced mix of protein and fresh vegetables cooked together in one pan, you’ll save both time and effort during meal prep and cleanup. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it based on what you have available at home while still delivering on taste and nutrition. Whether you choose to make it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh from the oven, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that checks all boxes for convenience and flavor!
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner option that will elevate your weeknight meals. This dish features juicy chicken breasts glazed with a tangy balsamic sauce, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. With the addition of fresh garlic and oregano, every bite bursts with deliciousness. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and color. Perfect for families or intimate dinners, this recipe ensures you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.
Ingredients
- – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- – Balsamic vinegar
- – Olive oil
- – Fresh garlic
- – Dried oregano
- – Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; pour over seared chicken.
5. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
– For added flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar overnight.
– Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes during baking for a nutritious boost.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
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