One Pan Balsamic Chicken

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner, you’ve come to the right place! One Pan Balsamic Chicken is one of those recipes that makes me feel like a kitchen superstar, even on the busiest nights. The combination of tender chicken, sweet balsamic glaze, and fresh ingredients makes this dish a true favorite in my home. It’s not just quick to prepare; it also brings everyone to the table with its delightful aroma.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s ideal for busy evenings when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, One Pan Balsamic Chicken will become a go-to meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be on your table in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks beautifully in one pan.
• Family-Friendly: With its balanced flavors and fun textures, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for extra flavor and convenience.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like tomatoes and basil, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This One Pan Balsamic Chicken uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

For the Marinade

• 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 & Toppings

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

Cooking Oil

• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have or what sounds good to you.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey breast or tofu for a different twist!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Change the cheese: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, feta or goat cheese would be delightful alternatives.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if your family enjoys spicy food!

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all your marinade ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, avocado oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Setting this aside allows those flavors to meld beautifully together while we focus on cooking the chicken.

Step 2: Mix the Toppings

In another bowl, combine halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and freshly chopped basil. Just like with the sauce, season with salt and pepper here too! This mixture will add a bright freshness to our dish.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Getting it hot before baking ensures that everything cooks evenly and efficiently—a crucial step for perfectly cooked chicken!

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat your cooking 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 skillet in a single layer. Searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Toppings

Once seared, pour that delicious balsamic sauce over your chicken. It should come to a simmer quickly—this helps create a lovely glaze! Then remove from heat and sprinkle that vibrant tomato-mozzarella mixture over everything.

Step 6: Bake & Serve

Pop your skillet into the preheated oven uncovered for about 18-23 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once it’s done baking, let it rest for about five minutes before serving—it helps keep everything juicy!

Now all that’s left is enjoying this scrumptious One Pan Balsamic Chicken with friends or family!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Cooking this dish is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can take your one-pan balsamic chicken from good to absolutely delicious!

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: By pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, you ensure that they cook uniformly. This avoids dry edges and undercooked centers, giving you perfectly juicy chicken every time.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and basil. Fresh ingredients have more vibrant flavors compared to dried ones, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
• Let it Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
• Customizable Veggies: Feel free to add or swap vegetables in this recipe. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can complement the flavors beautifully and add extra nutrition.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference for sweetness, you can modify the amount of honey in the balsamic sauce. A little less will give you a tangier flavor, while more honey results in a sweeter profile.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Presenting your one-pan balsamic chicken can turn a simple meal into an impressive feast! Here are some ideas on how to serve it beautifully and enhance its appeal.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful of fresh basil leaves scattered over the top brightens up the dish visually and adds a burst of flavor.
• Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction around the plate for a gourmet touch; it not only looks stunning but also elevates the taste with additional tanginess.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that complements the tangy chicken perfectly.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds color and crunch while providing a nutritious balance to your plate.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of balsamic chicken.

Enjoy creating this beautiful meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart!

Make Ahead and Storage

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for meal prep! Preparing this dish ahead of time makes weeknight dinners a breeze, and you can enjoy the flavors even more as they meld together over time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• This dish will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• When storing, ensure that the chicken and vegetables are kept together to maintain flavor.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze One Pan Balsamic Chicken.
• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• You can warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about making One Pan Balsamic Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What sides pair well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or quinoa. The balsamic glaze complements many sides nicely!

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

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this One Pan Balsamic Chicken! It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this recipe is sure to bring warmth to your table. Happy cooking!