One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One-pan balsamic chicken is a delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it brings together the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the sweetness of honey, creating a meal that everyone will love. Suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe stands out with its ease of cooking and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken.
- One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and easier cleanup after dinner.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
- Healthy Option: This recipe is packed with protein and uses fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make one-pan balsamic chicken efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are the necessary tools that will help you create this flavorful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Meat mallet (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: This tool allows for both stovetop searing and oven baking, ensuring even cooking.
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for combining sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized while prepping.
- Wooden spoon: This tool is gentle on cookware surfaces and great for scraping up browned bits for added flavor.
Ingredients
One-pan balsamic chicken is such a flavorful weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps!
For the 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 & 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 all sauce ingredients until well combined. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, then set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Mozzarella Mixture
In another bowl, toss together the grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste before setting aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Toppings
Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken in the skillet; it should come to a simmer quickly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Remove from heat and evenly spread the tomato-mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
Place the skillet in your preheated oven uncovered. Bake for 18-23 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should register at 165°F). Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious one-pan balsamic chicken!
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve this flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Serve with Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Caprese Salad: Combine slices of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a refreshing side that complements the balsamic glaze.
Pair with Grains
- Quinoa: This nutty grain adds a healthy twist and absorbs the delicious balsamic sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs can be a perfect base to soak up extra juices from the chicken.
Add Some Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the balsamic sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A flavorful garlic loaf can add an aromatic touch to your meal.
Include Roasted Vegetables
- Mixed Roasted Veggies: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil make for a hearty addition.
- Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears can add color and nutrition to your plate.
How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
To make sure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken; it enhances flavor significantly.
- Even thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Proper heat: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken; this helps achieve that lovely golden brown color.
- Rest before serving: Allow the chicken to rest after baking to ensure it’s juicy and tender when sliced.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes elevate the flavor profile of this dish.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and quality.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its taste. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that complements the tangy sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized sprouts bring a slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans maintain their crunch and add vibrant color to your plate.
- Lemon Orzo Pasta: This pasta dish tossed with lemon zest brightens up your meal while being light and refreshing.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken without overpowering it.
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad: A flavorful salad packed with herbs, olives, and feta cheese makes for a perfect pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making one-pan balsamic chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to help you avoid mishaps.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the balsamic sauce loses flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes or longer if possible.
- Neglecting to Season: Failing to season the chicken adequately can result in blandness. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap or expired balsamic vinegar can ruin the dish. Invest in good-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Not Preheating the Pan: Adding chicken to a cold pan prevents a good sear. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and use within 2-3 months.
Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until heated thoroughly.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making one-pan balsamic chicken.
How do I make One Pan Balsamic Chicken gluten-free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially sauces, are certified gluten-free.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes! Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be great substitutes if you’re out of balsamic vinegar.
What sides pair well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, salad, or rice for a balanced meal.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
While fresh is best, you can use frozen breasts; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
Final Thoughts
One-pan balsamic chicken is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. This dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights and can be customized with various vegetables or herbs. Try it today and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delicious and effortless dish that transforms busy weeknights into gourmet experiences. With its rich blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and succulent chicken, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together in one pan, minimizing cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Add fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a delightful twist, making it a perfect centerpiece for any casual gathering or cozy dinner at home. Enjoy this wholesome meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also customizable with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, mix grape tomatoes and mozzarella with salt and pepper.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides (1-2 minutes each side).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and add the tomato-mozzarella mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
