One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with vibrant flavors in a simple, one-pan method. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties, this recipe showcases the tangy notes of balsamic vinegar and the creaminess of mozzarella. It’s an easy way to enjoy a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying, making it suitable for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Minimal Cleanup – Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of balsamic vinegar and fresh ingredients creates a rich, savory taste that everyone will love.
- Healthy Option – Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from tomatoes and basil, this dish supports a balanced diet.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions – Serve it over pasta, alongside rice, or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make one pan balsamic chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet – This allows for both stovetop searing and oven baking in one vessel, enhancing flavor.
- Whisk – A whisk helps blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly for an even flavor distribution.
- Mixing bowls – Useful for preparing different components without mixing flavors prematurely.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – Ensures even thickness of the chicken breasts for uniform cooking.
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 Vegetables
- 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: balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Mozzarella Mixture
In a separate bowl, toss together the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Vegetables
Pour the balsamic sauce mixture over the chicken. It should come to a simmer quickly; use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Immediately remove from heat and top with tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should register at 165°F). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful one pan balsamic chicken!
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One pan balsamic chicken is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can pair it with various sides or serve it in different ways to elevate your meal experience.
With Fresh Greens
- Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch.
- Spinach Sauté: Quickly sauté spinach in olive oil and garlic for a nutrient-packed side.
Over Pasta
- Pasta Primavera: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta with seasonal vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Garlic Butter Noodles: Simple noodles tossed in garlic butter make a satisfying base.
As a Sandwich
- Balsamic Chicken Sandwich: Layer the chicken on a toasted bun with fresh basil and mozzarella for a tasty sandwich.
- Wrap It Up: Use tortillas to wrap the chicken along with your favorite veggies for an easy lunch option.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Herbed Rice: Serve the chicken alongside fluffy herbed rice for added flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: Pair it with quinoa mixed with diced vegetables and herbs for a healthy twist.
How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
To ensure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Even Thickness: Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Searing is Key: Sear the chicken until golden brown to enhance flavor before adding sauce.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs for the best taste.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to rest after baking; this keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your one pan balsamic chicken can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent comfort food companion.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Caprese Salad: A classic caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil enhances the Italian flair of your meal.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that pairs well with balsamic flavors.
- Steamed Asparagus: Bright green asparagus steamed until tender adds color and freshness to your plate.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs, lemon, and vegetables makes a refreshing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish, but there are common mistakes that can affect its outcome. Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls in your cooking.
- Using low-quality balsamic vinegar: This can lead to a bland sauce. Always choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can result in dull-tasting meat. Be generous with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Not pounded chicken: Cooking unevenly can happen if chicken breasts are not of even thickness. Pound them to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much chicken at once will lower the pan temperature and cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken too soon can release juices, making it dry. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date for easy identification.
Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covered, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a balsamic vinegar sauce with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
How long does it take to make One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
The total time is about 45 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I customize One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
What sides pair well with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
Serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors of the dish.
Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?
It is relatively healthy, packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from tomatoes and basil. Adjustments can be made for dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for different tastes. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful and effortless dish that brings together juicy chicken breasts, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fresh mozzarella for a delightful dining experience. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can serve a healthy and satisfying meal in under an hour. The rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, combined with the brightness of fresh tomatoes and basil, create a dish that is both comforting and gourmet. Whether served over pasta or alongside a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
- Toss grape tomatoes with mozzarella balls and basil in another bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown on both sides.
- Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken and add the tomato-mozzarella mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
