One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken with a tangy balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s not only simple but also packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings. With just one pan to clean afterward, you’ll appreciate the convenience even more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh herbs creates a mouth-watering sauce that elevates the chicken’s taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in one pan means less mess and hassle, allowing you to enjoy your dinner without worrying about washing multiple dishes.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking One Pan Balsamic Chicken, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: Provides even heat distribution for browning the chicken and can go directly into the oven.
- Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients blend well together for a smooth consistency.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan, adding extra flavor to your dish.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. oil (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
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, then set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Toppings
In another bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season this mixture with salt and pepper as desired before setting it aside.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer to sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. Pour in the balsamic sauce mixture; it should start simmering immediately. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Remove the skillet from heat and spread the tomato mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165F). After removing from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful One Pan Balsamic Chicken!
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary experience that can be served in various ways. Pairing this dish with the right accompaniments enhances its flavors and elevates your dining experience.
On a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Greens Salad: Toss fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the tangy balsamic flavors beautifully.
With Grains
- Quinoa: This protein-rich grain adds texture and absorbs the delicious sauce from the chicken.
- Brown Rice: A hearty option that pairs well with the savory notes of the balsamic chicken.
Accompanied by Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, and roast until tender for a tasty side.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick to make, this dish offers vibrant color and nutrition.
With Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up any extra balsamic sauce left on your plate.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful kick that pairs nicely with chicken.
How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
To achieve the best results when making one pan balsamic chicken, follow these simple tips that will enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes elevate the taste of your dish significantly.
- Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensuring even thickness helps the chicken cook uniformly, preventing dryness.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure enough space in your skillet so that each piece of chicken cooks evenly without steaming.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with one pan balsamic chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes seasoned with garlic provide comfort and richness.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch without overpowering the main dish.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that echoes the chicken’s flavors.
- Lemon Orzo Pasta: This light pasta dish brings a zesty touch that’s perfect alongside the savory chicken.
- Grilled Zucchini: Quick to prepare, grilled zucchini offers a smoky flavor that complements the balsamic notes.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs makes for an excellent base for soaking up sauces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the overall result. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:
Skipping the pounded chicken: Not pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, always pound them to about 1-inch thickness.
Neglecting the seasoning: Under-seasoning is a common error. Make sure to season both the chicken and the balsamic sauce generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Forgetting to scrape the pan: Missing out on scraping up brown bits after browning the chicken can result in a less flavorful sauce. Always use a wooden spoon to scrape those bits into your balsamic mixture.
Overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken in the oven too long will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly juicy results.
Not letting it rest: Cutting into the chicken right away can cause juices to escape, making it dry. Allow your One Pan Balsamic Chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days.
- Ensure it’s cooled down before refrigerating.
Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about One Pan Balsamic Chicken, here are some common questions and answers:
Can I use other meats for One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork or turkey. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on meat type and thickness.
How can I customize One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also switch up herbs based on your preference.
What sides pair well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Consider serving it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the flavors beautifully and create a balanced meal.
Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?
Absolutely! It’s high in protein and contains healthy fats from olive oil. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching calories.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for an easy weeknight dinner without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its balance of sweet balsamic vinegar and savory chicken, it makes for an ideal weeknight meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs to suit your taste preferences. Try this recipe tonight—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is your go-to recipe for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight dinner. This flavorful dish features tender chicken breasts glazed with a tangy balsamic sauce, complemented by fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. Perfectly cooked in a single skillet, it not only saves you time in the kitchen but also minimizes cleanup. In just 45 minutes, you can serve up a satisfying meal that’s wholesome and packed with flavor, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 8 oz grape tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine halved tomatoes and mozzarella; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken and add tomato-mozzarella mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with toppings (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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