Let me tell you, one pan balsamic chicken is one of my absolute favorite go-to meals! It’s not only incredibly simple to whip up, but it also packs a punch of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic vinegar blend, nestled among vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, the aroma that fills your home as it bakes is just heavenly. You’ll love how easy it is to create a delicious, satisfying meal with just a few ingredients!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go! Fresh ingredients will really enhance the flavors, especially the garlic and herbs. And don’t skimp on the balsamic vinegar; it’s the star of the show here!
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Making this one pan balsamic chicken is a breeze, and I promise it’s going to become a staple in your weeknight dinners! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color. So, get that oven fired up while you prep the rest!
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You want to whisk it all together until it’s well combined. The aroma at this stage is just delightful, and trust me, it only gets better from here!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Now, grab those chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is well coated. I like to massage the marinade into the chicken a bit—this really helps infuse it with flavor. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the veggies.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Next, scatter the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach around the chicken in the baking dish. This is where the magic happens! The tomatoes will burst and create a delicious sauce, while the spinach wilts beautifully, soaking up all those flavors.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to make sure the chicken is cooked through—juicy and tender, with no pink in the center. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serving Suggestions
When it’s done, serve the chicken warm right from the oven! I love pairing it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious balsamic sauce. Add a side salad for a complete meal, and you’re set for a fantastic dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Minimal cleanup with just one pan to wash afterward.
- Flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully for a delicious meal.
- Healthy option packed with protein and fresh vegetables.
- Versatile—pair it with rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete dish.
- Aromatic and satisfying, filling your home with mouthwatering scents.
- Customizable! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs.
Trust me, once you try this one pan balsamic chicken, you’ll be making it on repeat! It’s a meal that checks all the boxes, and you’ll love how effortless it is to impress your family or guests.
Tips for Success
To make your one pan balsamic chicken absolutely perfect, I’ve got some little nuggets of wisdom to share! Trust me, these tips will elevate your dish and ensure it’s a hit every time.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs instead of dried. They add a burst of flavor that really brings this dish to life. If you can find fresh basil or oregano, go for it!
- Adjust the Balsamic Vinegar: Everyone has different taste buds, so feel free to tweak the amount of balsamic vinegar to your liking. If you love that tangy kick, add a bit more. If you prefer it milder, just dial it back.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough, which is a big no-no! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is your magic number. And remember, it’ll continue to cook a bit even after you take it out of the oven.
- Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken nice and juicy!
- Mix and Match Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus can work beautifully with the balsamic flavor. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re going to nail it every time! I can’t wait for you to dig into this delicious one pan balsamic chicken—it’s going to be a game changer in your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying one pan balsamic chicken, knowing its nutritional breakdown can help you make informed choices! Here’s a typical estimate based on standard ingredients for one serving, which is one chicken breast with vegetables:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 40g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and your portion sizes. But overall, this dish is a healthy option packed with protein and fresh veggies, making it a great choice for a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making one pan balsamic chicken? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries that might pop up while you’re cooking this delicious dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier meat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may need an extra few minutes to reach that perfect temperature.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance out the acidity and mimic that sweet tang!
Can I add other vegetables?
You bet! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size as the cherry tomatoes for even cooking. It’ll add even more flavor and nutrition!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to keep it moist!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just add the veggies right before baking to keep everything fresh and vibrant!
I hope these FAQs help you feel more confident in your cooking adventure! Enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken, and don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your one pan balsamic chicken properly is key to enjoying those flavors again! Once you’ve savored your delicious meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep the chicken and veggies fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always recommend labeling the container with the date, just to keep track!
Now, when it comes to reheating, there are a couple of great options to keep that juicy goodness intact. If you have the time, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to about 350°F (175°C), and place the chicken in a baking dish. You can add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out, then cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain that tender texture and rich flavor.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will work too! Just pop a portion on a microwave-safe plate, and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking in between until it’s warmed to your liking. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might end up with dry chicken—nobody wants that!
So, whether you choose the oven or microwave, you can enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken just as delicious as the first time around. Happy reheating!
Z nadrukami
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 2 Steps to Flavorful Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
One pan balsamic chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that combines chicken with balsamic vinegar and vegetables in one pan.
Składniki
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Add cherry tomatoes and spinach around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Uwagi
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar to taste.
- Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 250mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 8g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan balsamic chicken, easy chicken recipe, balsamic chicken
