If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: one pan balsamic chicken! This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only easy to whip up, but it also packs a punch of deliciousness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when I needed something quick but still wanted to impress my family. The balsamic vinegar brings this beautiful tanginess that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. Plus, the best part? Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Seriously, you just can’t beat that. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful dinner that’s bound to become a regular on your table too!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this one pan balsamic chicken truly unforgettable. The chicken breasts provide a lean and juicy base, while the balsamic vinegar adds that zingy depth of flavor. Olive oil keeps everything moist, and the minced garlic infuses it with aromatic goodness. The oregano and thyme bring an earthy touch, perfectly balancing the dish. And let’s not forget the cherry tomatoes—sweet and juicy, they burst with flavor as they cook, while the spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. It’s all about creating a delicious harmony of flavors, and these ingredients do just that!
How to Prepare *One Pan Balsamic Chicken*
Let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super easy to follow. We’ll start by prepping everything that’ll make this one pan balsamic chicken sing with flavor and satisfaction!
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely, slightly crispy exterior. Trust me; it sets the stage for a perfectly baked dish!
Prepare the Marinade
Now, let’s whip up that marinade! In a bowl, mix together your balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This marinade is the heart of the dish, so make sure those flavors blend beautifully. Wow, just imagining the aroma is making me hungry!
Marinate the Chicken
Next, place your chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour that luscious marinade over them. Make sure they’re well coated—this is where the magic of flavor really happens! If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) in the fridge for an extra flavor boost.
Add Vegetables
Once your chicken is nicely marinated, it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the chicken, soaking up all that delicious marinade. Don’t forget to toss in the spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking—this way, it stays vibrant and fresh!
Bake the Chicken
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time is essential; it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. Enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to a delicious meal like one pan balsamic chicken, it’s great to know how it fits into your daily nutrition! Each serving, which includes one chicken breast along with the veggies, contains approximately 320 calories, 10g of fat, and a whopping 50g of protein. You’ll also get about 7g of carbs and 2g of fiber. This information is an estimate but gives you a good idea of how this scrumptious dish supports a balanced diet. Enjoy the flavors without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add even more flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as it may take longer to cook through.
What can I serve with one pan balsamic chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for added crunch!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even overnight for deeper flavor. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be a bit different.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One pan means easy cleanup—less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!
- Deliciously tangy flavors from the balsamic marinade that everyone will rave about.
- Nutritious and satisfying, loaded with lean protein and vibrant veggies.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best one pan balsamic chicken, here are my top tips! First, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight for maximum flavor. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan with vegetables; give them room to roast and caramelize beautifully. Lastly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your dish to the next level!
Variations
One pan balsamic chicken is incredibly versatile! If you want to switch things up, try adding different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus for a seasonal twist. You can also experiment with fresh herbs—basil or rosemary would add a delightful aroma. For a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. And if you love a bit of sweetness, swap out the tomatoes for sliced strawberries or peaches during the summer months. The possibilities are endless!
Z nadrukami
One Pan Balsamic Chicken for Effortless Deliciousness
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and flavorful one pan balsamic chicken recipe.
Składniki
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Add spinach to the dish in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with rice or quinoa.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Marinate chicken for a few hours for deeper flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 7g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 50g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan balsamic chicken, chicken recipe, easy dinner
