This One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a breeze to whip up and clean up! It features juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty balsamic glaze that makes everything extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and tender. You can swap them for thighs for a richer taste or use tofu for a plant-based version.
Olive Oil: Essential for cooking, but you can replace it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. They work well at high heat, too.
Balsamic Vinegar: It gives the dish a nice tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be great alternatives, but expect a slightly different taste.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These add just the right amount of sweetness. If you’re vegan or avoiding sugar, use agave syrup or simply leave it out for a tangier dish.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and green beans are fantastic, but you can add zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers based on what you have on hand. This recipe is very flexible!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful:
- First, sear the chicken in a hot pan; this locks in moisture and flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures an even cook.
- After searing, the oven does the rest. Baking at 400°F (200°C) helps finish cooking while keeping the chicken tender.
- Use a meat thermometer: chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (75°C). This helps avoid overcooking.
Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking! This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender bite.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying this flavorful meal in just about 35 to 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This step adds essential flavor to your chicken!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large ovenproof skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
3. Cooking the Veggies:
Using the same pan (to keep all that delicious flavor), add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, trimmed green beans, and sliced bell peppers. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender.
4. Adding the Balsamic Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Italian herbs. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, tucking them among the colorful veggies, and pour the balsamic mixture over everything, ensuring that the chicken and veggies are well-coated.
5. Baking Time!
Carefully transfer the entire pan to your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (should reach 165°F / 75°C) and the vegetables are tender. This fragrant dish is going to fill your kitchen with amazing aromas!
6. Final Touches:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and drizzle some of the yummy balsamic glaze over the chicken. This will add extra flavor! Finish by garnishing your One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner with fresh parsley or basil, if you’re using it. Serve and enjoy!
Dig into this easy, one-pan wonder and savor the delightful flavors that come together in this delicious dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. Just know that it may not be as sweet, so you might want to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup accordingly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the chicken seems a little dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything ahead of time by seasoning the chicken and chopping the veggies. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the instructions from the pan-searing step onward!
