Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the ease and deliciousness of one pan balsamic chicken! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when I want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. You just toss everything in one pan, let the oven do its magic, and voila! You’ve got a flavorful meal with minimal clean-up. I love how the balsamic vinegar brings a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken and vibrant veggies. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can whip this up for the family or impress guests at a dinner party. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Getting this dish on your table is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s well blended. This is where the magic begins—so aromatic!
- Next, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour that delicious balsamic mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat them well. Don’t be shy; we want every bite to soak up that flavor!
- Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. They’ll roast beautifully and burst with sweetness, complementing the dish perfectly.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, toss in the fresh spinach. It’ll wilt down nicely and add a pop of color and nutrients to the dish.
- Once everything is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
And there you have it! A scrumptious one pan balsamic chicken that’s not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels when you can. But here’s a general breakdown for one serving of one pan balsamic chicken:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
It’s a wholesome meal that’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy dinner option. Enjoy fueling your body with this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a few minutes of hands-on time, dinner comes together effortlessly!
- One pan wonder: Minimal clean-up means more time to relax after a delicious meal.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a nutritious choice for any night.
- Flavor explosion: The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy depth that elevates the chicken to new heights.
- Versatile: Perfect for family dinners or when you’re entertaining guests—it always impresses!
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own!
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will love the juicy chicken and delicious tomatoes!
Tips for Success
To make your one pan balsamic chicken truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks!
- Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on the balsamic vinegar! A good quality balsamic will elevate the flavor tremendously. It’s worth the splurge!
- Marinate if You Can: If you have a little extra time, marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture for an hour or even overnight. This will infuse even more flavor into the meat!
- Uniform Chicken Breasts: Try to use chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly. If some are larger, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your chicken in the last few minutes of baking. You want it juicy but fully cooked!
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or basil on hand, sprinkle some in during the last few minutes of baking for an extra burst of flavor!
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite!
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Just keep in mind their cooking times; you want them to be tender but not mushy!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting your one pan balsamic chicken! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re like me, you love to switch things up in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations to make your one pan balsamic chicken even more exciting. Trust me, the possibilities are endless!
- Veggie Medley: Try adding different vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. The colors will make your dish pop!
- Herb Swap: If you’re not a fan of thyme, rosemary or oregano work beautifully too! Fresh herbs can really enhance the flavor, so feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the balsamic mixture. You’ll get a nice heat that complements the sweetness of the balsamic!
- Different Proteins: This recipe isn’t limited to chicken! Try it with pork tenderloin or even salmon. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
- Glaze Variations: Mix in some honey or maple syrup to the balsamic glaze for a sweeter flavor. It adds a delightful caramelization as it bakes!
- One-Pan Pasta: Toss in some uncooked pasta along with the chicken and vegetables. Just add a bit more liquid (like chicken broth) and adjust the cooking time accordingly—delicious and filling!
- Stuffed Chicken: For a heartier meal, try stuffing the chicken breasts with spinach and cheese before baking. It adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the balsamic glaze!
These variations are just a starting point to inspire your creativity! Play around with flavors and ingredients until you find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving one pan balsamic chicken, the options are as delightful as the dish itself! I love to pair it with something that complements those rich, tangy flavors. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that really elevate the meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture and buttery flavor of mashed potatoes create a comforting contrast to the tangy chicken. You can even stir in some garlic or herbs for extra flair!
- Fluffy Rice: A simple bed of fluffy rice—white, brown, or even wild rice—soaks up that luscious balsamic sauce beautifully. It’s a great way to enjoy every last drop!
- Quinoa Salad: For a healthier twist, serve it with a light quinoa salad packed with veggies and a lemon vinaigrette. The freshness balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or some artisan bread is perfect for mopping up the juices. Trust me, you won’t want to leave any of that delicious sauce behind!
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp element that contrasts nicely with the warm chicken. Toss in some nuts for crunch!
- Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of veggies, serve alongside a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. They’ll be sweet and caramelized, harmonizing perfectly with the chicken.
- Pasta: A side of pasta tossed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs makes a lovely addition. It’s filling and pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the chicken!
Mix and match any of these sides to create a well-rounded meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken with these perfect pairings, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious one pan balsamic chicken and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing it properly will ensure you can enjoy those flavors again. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Storing Leftovers: Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep the chicken and veggies together for the best flavor!
- Freezing: If you want to save it for a later date, you can freeze the chicken! Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date so you know when you made it!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers again, here’s how to reheat them while keeping everything juicy and delicious:
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and veggies in a baking dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or olive oil to keep it moist.
- Microwave Option: If you’re short on time, the microwave is a quick option! Place the chicken and veggies in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it might dry out!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken just as much the next day. Happy eating!
Print
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 7 Flavors That Will Wow You
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious one pan balsamic chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the mixture over them.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- In the last 5 minutes, add spinach to the dish.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for larger chicken breasts.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Serve with rice or pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: one pan balsamic chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken
