Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than this One Pan Balsamic Chicken! This dish combines tender chicken breasts with the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs—all cooked in one pan. Not only does it save time during preparation and cooking, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully as everything cooks together. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or need a meal prep option for the week ahead, this recipe is versatile enough to fit your needs. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have an incredible dish that satisfies both the palate and the busy schedule.
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful taste that everyone will love. With simple ingredients likely already in your pantry, you can whip this up any night of the week. Plus, it’s perfect for using leftovers or prepping ahead of time. So grab your skillet and let’s get started on making this tasty meal!
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
For the Sauce:
- Balsamic Vinegar: Select high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the dish’s flavor profile
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar; feel free to adjust according to your taste
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor while cooking
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meal cooks evenly throughout.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Spray a large oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined.
Step 4: Cook on Stovetop
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet over medium heat. Pour half of the balsamic sauce over them. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on one side.
Step 5: Bake in Oven
Flip each breast and pour remaining sauce over them. Transfer skillet into preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar, herbs, and spices up to 24 hours before cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, checking every minute until heated evenly.
Suggestions for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients
When making One Pan Balsamic Chicken, using fresh ingredients is crucial for enhancing flavor. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and high-quality chicken make a significant difference. Avoid using dried herbs or pre-packaged ingredients, as they can lead to blandness. Fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme elevate the dish and bring out the best in the balsamic reduction. Additionally, ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking. This simple step helps achieve that juicy tenderness everyone loves while preventing dryness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Overcrowding the pan is a common mistake when preparing One Pan Balsamic Chicken. When you place too many ingredients in one pan, they steam instead of sear. This results in a less appealing texture and flavor. To achieve that beautiful caramelization on the chicken and vegetables, cook in batches if necessary. Leave enough space between pieces to allow heat circulation, ensuring everything cooks evenly. A properly spaced pan will yield vibrant colors and delicious flavors that make this dish irresistible.
Skip the Preheating Step
Many home cooks overlook the importance of preheating their pans. For One Pan Balsamic Chicken, skipping this step can negatively affect your results. A hot pan ensures that your chicken sears properly and locks in moisture right from the start. Without preheating, you risk ending up with rubbery meat or soggy vegetables. Make it a habit to preheat your skillet for at least 5 minutes before adding your ingredients. This small yet essential step can elevate your dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Forgetting to Rest the Chicken
After cooking One Pan Balsamic Chicken, it’s easy to cut into it immediately to check doneness; however, letting it rest is essential for juicy results. When you slice into the meat too soon, juices escape, leading to dryness. Allowing the chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing lets those juices redistribute throughout the meat. This simple technique enhances the overall flavor and moisture content of your dish, leaving you with tender bites full of flavor.
FAQs
What sides pair well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
One Pan Balsamic Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and color on your plate. Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also make delightful additions that soak up the delicious balsamic sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken dish.
Can I use different kinds of meats?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken for One Pan Balsamic Chicken, other proteins work well too. You might try pork tenderloin or salmon as great alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly; fish will require less time than chicken or pork due to its delicate nature. Ensure whatever protein you choose has similar cooking properties for consistent results across your dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers from One Pan Balsamic Chicken is straightforward and allows you to enjoy this flavorful dish again later! Once cooled completely, transfer any remaining chicken and vegetables into an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Properly stored in the fridge, they should last for about 3-4 days maximum. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage; just ensure they’re tightly sealed before placing them in freezer bags or containers.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Making One Pan Balsamic Chicken ahead of time can save valuable kitchen time during busy weeks or gatherings. Prepare all ingredients beforehand by marinating your chicken in balsamic vinegar and spices overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow through with cooking instructions as usual! The dish reheats well too—just warm it gently on low heat so you maintain its delicious texture without drying out.
Conclusion for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
In summary, mastering One Pan Balsamic Chicken involves avoiding common mistakes such as overcrowding the pan and neglecting preheating steps that could compromise taste and texture. Utilizing fresh ingredients significantly enhances flavor while allowing your chicken ample resting time ensures juiciness after cooking. Pairing this delightful entrée with complementary sides rounds out a satisfying meal experience perfect for family dinners or special occasions alike! With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable one-pan masterpiece bursting with flavor every time you cook it!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines juicy chicken breasts with a luscious balsamic glaze, all cooked in a single skillet for effortless cleanup. This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken seasoned to perfection, bathed in a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce enriched with garlic and honey. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious option for busy families or anyone looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over fluffy rice, pasta, or alongside crisp vegetables, this dish promises to be a hit at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a sprayed large oven-safe skillet.
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Flip the chicken, add remaining sauce, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Serve with drizzled sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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