One Pan Balsamic Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! One Pan Balsamic Chicken has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The tangy balsamic vinegar combined with sweet honey creates a mouthwatering glaze that makes the chicken shine.

Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy dinner for two, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. You can whip it up in no time, and cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings.
• One-pan wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it great for everyone at the table.
• Meal prep friendly: Easily doubles or triples for a bigger batch that saves well!
• Fresh ingredients: Wholesome veggies and herbs make this dish nutritious and vibrant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple, wholesome ingredients that make this One Pan Balsamic Chicken so special. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Balsamic Sauce

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. oil (such as avocado or olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

For the Chicken and Toppings

• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your tastes with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, feta works beautifully in this dish!
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick to the balsamic sauce.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until they’re well combined. This step is crucial because it brings together all those wonderful flavors that will coat our chicken beautifully. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

In another bowl, toss together your halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. This mixture adds freshness and creaminess to our dish—so set it aside while we work on cooking the chicken.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Getting it nice and hot ensures that our chicken bakes evenly and stays juicy.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan in a single layer. Searing them for just 1-2 minutes on each side gives you that lovely golden brown color which locks in flavor!

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Once your chicken is lightly golden brown, pour that delightful balsamic sauce mixture into the pan—watch as it sizzles! Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; they add flavor!

Step 6: Top with Tomatoes and Cheese

Remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle that colorful tomato mixture right over the chicken. It looks beautiful, doesn’t it?

Step 7: Bake It All Together

Bake uncovered for about 18-23 minutes until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C). Afterward, let it rest for five minutes before serving—it helps keep all those juices inside!

And there you have it! A delightful One Pan Balsamic Chicken that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table tonight! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Here are some handy tips to ensure your one-pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time!

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone. A consistent thickness allows for juicy, tender meat throughout.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly: By ensuring your oven has reached 400 degrees F before baking, you achieve a nice caramelization on the chicken and vegetables, enhancing their flavors and textures.
• Don’t Skip Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps to redistribute the juices. This means each bite will be succulent and flavorful instead of dry.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini or bell peppers. They’ll absorb the delicious balsamic sauce and add even more nutrients and color to your dish.
• Make it Ahead: If you’re meal prepping, you can marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture a day ahead. It gives the chicken even more flavor and makes dinner a breeze on busy weeknights!

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Presentation can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary! Here are some ideas to make your one-pan balsamic chicken shine on the dinner table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil right before serving adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over your plated chicken can enhance both flavor and presentation, giving it a restaurant-quality touch.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic serve as a perfect base that soaks up all the delicious balsamic sauce from the chicken.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and vibrant color to your plate while balancing out the richness of the dish.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of lemon makes for a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette provides freshness that complements the richness of your main dish.

With these serving suggestions, your one-pan balsamic chicken will not only taste amazing but look fantastic too! Enjoy your delightful meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only a delightful dish for dinner but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers.
• Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, use the microwave: cover and heat in short intervals until heated evenly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about One Pan Balsamic Chicken that might help you out!

Can I make One Pan Balsamic Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store them separately, and then bake when you’re ready for dinner.

What should I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. It’s versatile enough to complement many sides!

How do I know when my One Pan Balsamic Chicken is done?

To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Can I substitute other proteins for One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

Yes! This recipe works great with turkey breasts or even firm tofu if you’re looking for a plant-based option.

Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein and flavor while being relatively low in carbs. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe! It’s quick, satisfying, and brings so much flavor to your table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is bound to impress. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!