One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken is a delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken with a tangy balsamic glaze, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s not only quick to prepare but also makes for an impressive meal that can suit family dinners or special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and steps, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means easy cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with pasta, rice, or a salad for a complete dinner experience.
- Healthy Meal Choice: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious option for health-conscious eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make the preparation of One Pan Balsamic Chicken seamless, gather your tools before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Meat mallet (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large oven-safe skillet: Allows for cooking on the stovetop and baking in the oven without switching pans.
- Whisk: Essential for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Mixing bowls: Keeps ingredients organized during preparation.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for scraping up those delicious brown bits from the skillet.
Ingredients
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 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. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Tomatoes and Mozzarella
In another bowl, toss together the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside as well.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot and oil is shimmering:
1. Add the chicken in a single layer.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
3. Pour in the balsamic sauce mixture; it should come to a simmer quickly.
4. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Add Tomato Mixture
Immediately remove the pan from heat and top it with your tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious one pan balsamic chicken!
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Serving one pan balsamic chicken is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful accompaniments. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Fresh Salad
- A light, crisp salad adds freshness to your meal. Consider arugula or mixed greens tossed with a simple vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread
- Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a comforting touch. It’s great for soaking up the delicious balsamic sauce!
Rice or Quinoa
- Fluffy rice or quinoa complements the chicken beautifully. Both options provide a hearty base to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted seasonal vegetables bring color and nutrition to your plate. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus drizzled with olive oil.
Pasta
- A side of pasta dressed in olive oil and herbs works wonderfully alongside the chicken. It’s an easy option that kids will love!
Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes are always a favorite. They add richness and pair well with the savory flavors of the balsamic chicken.
How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
To ensure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Use high-quality balsamic vinegar – The flavor of your dish greatly depends on the quality of balsamic vinegar you use. Opt for a good brand for best results.
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Pound chicken evenly – Ensuring even thickness helps the chicken cook uniformly, preventing dry spots and ensuring juicy bites.
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Let it rest – After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
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Experiment with herbs – Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor that complements the balsamic sauce beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with one pan balsamic chicken enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s creamy and flavorful.
- Lemon Herb Couscous – Light and fluffy couscous infused with lemon zest adds brightness to your meal.
- Steamed Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans seasoned with salt make a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Slightly sweet, roasted sweet potatoes complement the tangy flavors of the chicken.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil offer a classic pairing.
- Zucchini Noodles – A healthy twist on pasta that soaks up sauces wonderfully while adding extra veggies to your plate.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables provides added texture and nutrition.
- Balsamic Brussels Sprouts – These roasted sprouts caramelized with balsamic vinegar echo the main dish’s flavors nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pan Balsamic Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the pounded chicken: Not pounding the chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165F.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season properly will lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to season both the chicken and the sauce!
- Not scraping the pan: Leaving brown bits in the pan means missing out on flavor. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty bits after adding the sauce.
- Using low-quality balsamic vinegar: A poor-quality vinegar won’t give you the rich flavor you need. Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat and cover, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pan Balsamic Chicken that might help you make this dish even better!
How do I make One Pan Balsamic Chicken less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I add vegetables to One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Absolutely! You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
What should I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from tomatoes and basil, making it a healthy option.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness level as desired. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. This delightful recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a tangy balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all cooked in one pan for effortless preparation and cleanup. The harmonious blend of flavors from balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian herbs creates a mouthwatering meal that your family will love. Serve it alongside pasta, rice, or a salad for a complete dining experience that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp oil (avocado or olive)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss halved tomatoes and mozzarella with chopped basil in another bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken; sprinkle tomato mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
