Looking for a quick, tasty meal? One Pan Balsamic Chicken is your answer! In just a few steps, you’ll have a juicy chicken dish that bursts with flavor. This meal is easy to make and perfect for busy days. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll impress your family with this delightful recipe. Let’s dive in and make your next dinner a hit!
Ingredients
Full Recipe Overview
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a simple and quick dish. It combines chicken with sweet and tangy flavors. The best part? You cook it all in one pan. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the flavors rich. You can find the full recipe at the end of this section.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this dish:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red onion, sliced into thin rings
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for searing)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
These ingredients create a balance of flavors. The balsamic vinegar and honey give a delightful taste. The herbs add warmth, while the chicken stays juicy.
Suggested Garnishes
Garnishing is key to making your dish look great. I recommend adding fresh basil leaves. They brighten the dish and enhance the flavor. You can also serve this chicken with a side of fluffy rice or a fresh salad. These sides will round out your meal and add freshness. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. You need the following:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red onion, sliced into thin rings
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for searing)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined and set it aside. This blend will add lots of flavor to your chicken.
Cooking Process
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden-brown crust.
Once the chicken is seared, add the minced garlic, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. This helps the veggies soak up all the good flavors. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated.
Baking Instructions
Now, it’s time to bake! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices in the meat. Just before serving, top with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and a burst of color. Serve hot right from the skillet for a stunning dish. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Sear
To sear chicken well, start with a hot skillet. Use olive oil to coat the bottom. Ensure the oil shimmers before adding chicken. Place the chicken in the pan, but don’t crowd it. Leave space between each piece. This lets the heat circulate and helps with browning. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden crust. This step adds flavor and texture.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds depth to the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Want a smoky flavor? Try adding smoked paprika. The balsamic mixture is key, so whisk it well. Combine the vinegar and honey for sweetness. This balances the dish nicely. Adding garlic with the veggies enhances the aroma as they cook.
Resting and Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy and tender. Place the chicken on a platter, surrounded by tomatoes and onions. Drizzle some of the balsamic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot for the best flavor. Pair it with white rice or a salad. These sides complement the dish perfectly. Find the full recipe to explore even more ideas!
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can swap chicken for many other proteins. Try using boneless turkey breasts for a lighter option. Pork tenderloin works well too; it absorbs the balsamic flavor nicely. For a vegetarian choice, use firm tofu. Just cube the tofu and sear it before adding the sauce. Each protein will bring a unique taste to the dish.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to change the vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini or bell peppers can add color and texture. Broccoli or green beans are great for a crunchy contrast. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. This way, every bite will be full of flavor.
Sauce Modifications
You can tweak the sauce for different flavors. Add a splash of soy sauce for a savory kick. If you like a bit of heat, mix in some red pepper flakes. To make it sweeter, increase the honey a little. These small changes can make a big difference. Explore and find your favorite twist on this dish!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Once you finish your One Pan Balsamic Chicken, let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to keep the chicken and veggies together. This helps to maintain the flavors. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. Remember to label the bag with the date. This makes it easy to track how long it’s been in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts, about one minute at a time. Always check if it’s hot enough. Enjoy your flavorful meal again!
FAQs
How long does One Pan Balsamic Chicken last in the fridge?
One Pan Balsamic Chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken moist and tasty. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently. The flavors will still be great!
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Yes, you can use other vinegars. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar work well. Each type will give a unique taste. If you want a milder flavor, try rice vinegar. Just keep the same amount as in the recipe. This way, your dish will still taste amazing!
What can I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
You can serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken with many sides. Fluffy white rice or a fresh green salad are great choices. Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes also pair nicely. These sides will soak up the tasty balsamic sauce. They make your meal even more enjoyable. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas!
This blog post covered how to make One Pan Balsamic Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about great variations and how to store leftovers.
In summary, making this dish is simple and rewarding. Enjoy the flavors and share it with loved ones. You can mix it up with different proteins or veggies. Experiment and make it your own!
