One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One-pan balsamic chicken is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. This dish stands out with its combination of tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all brought together by a delightful balsamic glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously tangy sauce.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to customize your meal.
- Health-Conscious Meal: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your one-pan balsamic chicken, gather the right tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and transferring directly to the oven for baking.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for preparing sauces and tossing ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Essential for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Wooden spoon: Great for scraping up brown bits from the pan to enhance flavor.
Ingredients
One-pan balsamic chicken is made with simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
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
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
For Toppings
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste before setting it aside.
Step 2: Mix Tomatoes and Mozzarella
In another bowl, toss together the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper as well.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) while you prepare the chicken.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot and shimmering with oil, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Add Balsamic Sauce
Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Allow it to come to a simmer while scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Step 6: Bake with Toppings
Remove the skillet from heat immediately after adding the sauce. Top the chicken with the tomato mozzarella mixture evenly across all pieces. Transfer it to your preheated oven.
Step 7: Bake Until Cooked Through
Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C). Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful one-pan balsamic chicken that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
- Caesar Salad: Classic romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
Serve Over Grains
- Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa absorbs the balsamic sauce beautifully and adds protein.
- Rice Pilaf: A savory rice pilaf can enhance the dish’s flavor while providing a hearty base.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce from the chicken.
- Crusty Baguette: Slices of crusty baguette can add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Offer Roasted Vegetables
- Seasonal Roasted Veggies: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted with herbs make for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a tasty contrast to the sweetness of the balsamic chicken.
How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Achieving the perfect one pan balsamic chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is delicious every time.
- Marinate: Allowing the chicken to marinate in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking enhances flavor.
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh mozzarella and high-quality balsamic vinegar will elevate your dish significantly.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken during baking; overcooking can lead to dryness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after baking helps retain its juices and flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also enhances presentation—don’t skip this step!
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Complement your one pan balsamic chicken with delicious side dishes that round out your meal perfectly. Here are some top choices:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting pairing.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds a vibrant touch.
- Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative that soaks up the sauce nicely while adding color.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted sweet potato wedges offer natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
- Pasta Primavera: Pasta mixed with seasonal vegetables creates a hearty yet healthy option.
- Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw brings crunch and freshness, making it an excellent contrast to warm dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a simple dish, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.
- Not seasoning enough: Lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavor. Season your chicken and sauce generously with salt and pepper.
- Using low-quality balsamic vinegar: A cheap balsamic vinegar won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Opt for a good quality vinegar for the best taste.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Adding cold ingredients directly from the fridge can affect cooking time. Let ingredients like chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken too soon can cause juices to run out. Always let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish cools down completely before sealing.
Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding One Pan Balsamic Chicken:
Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes! You can use thighs or even bone-in chicken pieces, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What sides go well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or swap mozzarella for another cheese like feta.
Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet flavorful. Give it a try and experience this delightful dish yourself!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful culinary masterpiece that brings rich, savory flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. This dish features succulent chicken breasts smothered in a tangy balsamic glaze, complemented by juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this one-pan wonder requires just under an hour to prepare and cook, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and seasoning. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown.
- Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken and add halved grape tomatoes and mozzarella on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-23 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let it 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: 425
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
