Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner—one pan balsamic chicken! This dish is not only super easy to whip up, but it’s bursting with flavor that makes everyone at the table happy. I remember the first time I made it; my family was gathered around the table, and the smell of garlic and balsamic vinegar filled our kitchen. It was a hit! You just toss everything in one pan, pop it in the oven, and voila! You’ve got a delicious, healthy meal that looks like you spent hours cooking. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, which is a lifesaver after a long day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this one pan balsamic chicken is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts – Make sure they’re of even thickness for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar – This adds that tangy depth of flavor we all love!
- 1/4 cup honey – Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – A dash of richness that helps everything come together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to round out the taste.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – These juicy beauties add color and flavor to the dish.
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped – For a fragrant finish that brightens everything up!
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into making this delicious dish!
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Making this one pan balsamic chicken is as easy as pie! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that golden, flavorful crust we all love. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. This marinade is going to infuse your chicken with incredible flavor!
Prepare the Chicken
Now, take your 4 boneless chicken breasts and place them snugly in a baking dish. Pour that delicious marinade all over the chicken, making sure to coat it thoroughly. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Add Cherry Tomatoes
Next, grab your 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the chicken in the baking dish. These little gems not only add a pop of color but also bring a juicy sweetness that complements the balsamic beautifully.
Bake the Dish
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You want it juicy and tender, not dry, so check it a few minutes early if your chicken breasts are on the thinner side.
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped fresh basil over the chicken for a fragrant finish. Wow, it’s going to smell incredible! Serve it up with some rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. You’re going to love how easy and tasty this dish is!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to one pan balsamic chicken, nutrition can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 40g
Remember, these values are approximate, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients or if you decide to add a side of rice or veggies!
FAQ About One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this one pan balsamic chicken recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to swap them in!
What can I serve with this dish?
I love serving this chicken with a side of rice or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. The balsamic sauce drizzled over everything is just divine!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have dinner sorted!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This one pan balsamic chicken is gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pan, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. Win-win!
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering combination that everyone will love.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is not just delicious but also nourishing!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for making ahead of time—just reheat and enjoy throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To ensure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:
- Choose Evenly Sized Chicken: Make sure your chicken breasts are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If you have some that are thicker, consider butterflying them for a faster bake.
- Don’t Rush the Marinade: If you have the time, let the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. This enhances the flavor even more! Just remember to refrigerate it if you’re marinating for a while.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This way, you’ll avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.
- Experiment with Herbs: While fresh basil is a classic finish, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. They can add a unique twist to the dish!
- Save the Sauce: After baking, you can spoon the leftover balsamic sauce over the chicken and veggies for extra flavor. It’s too delicious to waste!
- Pair with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted potatoes. The flavors complement each other wonderfully, creating a well-rounded meal.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be a pro at making one pan balsamic chicken that will impress family and friends alike!
Variations of One Pan Balsamic Chicken
If you’re like me and love to mix things up in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate these fun variations of one pan balsamic chicken! Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipe to your taste. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion with the cherry tomatoes. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the chicken and make the dish even more colorful and nutritious!
- Swap the Chicken: Instead of chicken breasts, try using chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor. They’ll also stay super juicy during cooking!
- Experiment with Cheese: For a creamy twist, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the dish just before serving. The tangy cheese complements the balsamic perfectly!
- Change Up the Herbs: While fresh basil is lovely, you can also use thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Each herb brings its unique flavor profile, giving your dish a whole new dimension!
- Add a Kick: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños with the marinade. It’ll add a delightful spicy kick to your chicken!
- Make It a One-Pan Pasta: After the chicken is cooked, throw in some cooked pasta with a splash of extra olive oil and a bit more balsamic vinegar. Toss it all together for a hearty, comforting meal!
These variations not only keep things fresh but also allow you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences. So, don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous—your taste buds will thank you!
For more information on the health benefits of balsamic vinegar, check out this article.
For tips on cooking chicken perfectly, visit this resource.
Print
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 5 Steps to a Delightful Dinner
- 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
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over it.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: one pan balsamic chicken
