You guys, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: one pan balsamic chicken! Seriously, it’s a game-changer. The beauty of this dish is that it’s super simple to whip up, yet packed with flavor that makes your taste buds sing. I love how everything cooks together in one pan—less cleanup for me, which is always a win! The tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach create a colorful plate that my family can’t resist. It’s become a staple in our house because it’s not just delicious, but it’s also quick enough for those busy nights when you just don’t have the energy to fuss around in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation too!
Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Make sure your chicken breasts are nice and thawed for even cooking. Fresh cherry tomatoes really bring out the sweetness in this dish, and don’t skimp on the spinach—it adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste; I like mine a bit zesty, but you do you!
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into the steps that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine! This one pan balsamic chicken is as easy as it gets, so follow along with me.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures that you get that delicious caramelization on the outside. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Balsamic Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together your balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You want to whisk it all until it’s well combined. This mixture is where all that flavor comes from, so get in there and make sure everything is nicely blended!
Arrange the Chicken and Tomatoes
Now, grab your baking dish and place the chicken breasts in it. Pour that lovely balsamic mixture all over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Then, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. This is key—try to distribute them evenly so they can roast and burst with flavor!
Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you might need to add a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want that juicy perfection!
Add Spinach and Finish Baking
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped spinach on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This final touch wilts the spinach beautifully! Serve it warm, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s not just easy, but totally satisfying!
Nutritional Information for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
When it comes to a delicious meal, you can’t beat the nutritional profile of this one pan balsamic chicken! Each serving packs a hearty punch, giving you about 320 calories, with 40 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. You’ll also get 10 grams of fat, which includes healthy unsaturated fats from the olive oil. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs!
On the carbohydrate front, you’re looking at approximately 12 grams, with 2 grams of fiber to help with digestion. The natural sweetness from the balsamic vinegar and cherry tomatoes gives you about 8 grams of sugar, which is totally balanced out by the savory flavors. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any additional ingredients you might add. Enjoy this tasty dish and feel great about what you’re eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
- Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of balsamic vinegar and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken to another level.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious—perfect for a balanced meal.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap out the veggies or add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own. It’s a great base for creativity!
Tips for Success with One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Okay, let’s talk tips to really take your one pan balsamic chicken to the next level! First off, don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs like basil or thyme into that balsamic mixture. They infuse an amazing aroma and flavor that’ll elevate your dish! If you like a bit of a kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a delightful heat.
Also, consider marinating the chicken in that balsamic blend for a couple of hours (or even overnight) if you have the time. This allows the flavors to really soak in! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini alongside the tomatoes; they roast beautifully and add even more nutrition. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time so everything is perfectly tender. Happy cooking!
Variations for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One of the best things about this one pan balsamic chicken is how versatile it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, instead of cherry tomatoes, try adding diced bell peppers or sliced red onions for a colorful twist. They’ll roast beautifully and add a different flavor profile!
If you’re feeling adventurous, how about swapping out the chicken for salmon or shrimp? Both cook just as easily and soak up that tangy balsamic goodness. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since seafood cooks a bit faster!
Spice lovers, rejoice! You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the balsamic mixture for an extra flavor kick. Or, if you want to go for an herbaceous vibe, fresh rosemary or thyme can take this dish to a whole new level.
And don’t forget about the greens! While spinach is lovely, you can also toss in kale, broccoli florets, or asparagus for a nutrient-packed upgrade. The key is to get creative and have fun with it—this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary imagination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your one pan balsamic chicken? Lucky you! This dish keeps really well in the fridge, so you can savor those delicious flavors even after the initial meal. To store, simply transfer any leftover chicken and veggies into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up, so you don’t trap any extra moisture.
When it comes to reheating, I’ve found the best method is to pop it back in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat for about 15-20 minutes, until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that lovely texture and flavor intact! If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave—just cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate to avoid splatters, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
And if you want to enjoy it at its best, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating. It’ll help revive that delicious sauce and bring back the moisture. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken or One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta.
For nutritional information on chicken dishes, you can refer to Healthline.
Print
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one pan balsamic chicken dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and add spinach on top.
- Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for more flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Pair with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pan balsamic chicken, chicken recipe, easy dinner
