Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this one pan balsamic chicken! It’s honestly one of my all-time favorites because it combines simplicity with flavor in the most delightful way. Just imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts drizzled with a tangy balsamic marinade, roasted alongside vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. The beauty of this dish is that everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that? Plus, it’s ready in just about 35 minutes! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh spinach
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your chicken bakes evenly and gets that lovely, golden finish. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the oven to heat up, so go ahead and get that going while you prepare everything else. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Prepare the Marinade
Now, let’s whip up the marinade! In a medium bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. I like to give it a good whisk until everything is well combined—it really helps the flavors meld together beautifully. The aroma of that balsamic and garlic is just heavenly, isn’t it? For more information on the benefits of balsamic vinegar, check out this healthline article.
Assemble the Dish
Next, grab your baking dish and lay the chicken breasts inside. Pour that delicious balsamic marinade all over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated nicely. Then, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. They’ll burst with flavor as they roast and add such a lovely pop of color to the dish!
Bake the Chicken
Time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it cook for about 25 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: check the chicken’s doneness by cutting into the thickest part. If the juices run clear and there’s no pink, it’s good to go! Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly—just keep an eye on it.
Add the Spinach
With just 5 minutes left on the timer, it’s time to add the spinach! Toss it right into the baking dish with the chicken and tomatoes. It’ll wilt down beautifully and soak up all those lovely balsamic flavors. It’s like a little magic moment in the oven!
Rest Before Serving
Once the chicken is done baking, don’t rush to serve it right away! Let it rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it extra juicy and tender. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes—trust me! After that, dig in and enjoy your delicious one pan balsamic chicken!
FAQ Section
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this one pan balsamic chicken is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with the veggies you use. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus would be fantastic additions! Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the veggies you choose, but don’t worry—just keep an eye on them!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure you reheat it gently in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again—no one wants dry chicken, right?
What can I serve with one pan balsamic chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious balsamic sauce. Pasta works great too! And for a lighter option, a fresh salad or some roasted veggies on the side will complement the flavors perfectly. The possibilities are endless, so pick your favorite and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan means minimal cleanup—who doesn’t appreciate that?
- Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Juicy chicken infused with a rich balsamic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add vibrant color and nutrition.
- Versatile dish—feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Leftovers taste amazing, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that will help you achieve the best flavor and texture:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken every time, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). It takes out all the guesswork!
- Marinate Longer: If you’ve got a bit of time, let your chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for an hour or even overnight in the fridge. This really enhances the flavor and makes the chicken extra tender—yum!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you’re making a bigger batch, make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish. Give each chicken breast some space to cook evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like basil or thyme on hand, throw some in with the chicken during baking or sprinkle them on top before serving. Fresh herbs elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade. It balances beautifully with the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to mix up the seasoning! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or a dash of Italian seasoning can deepen the flavor profile.
- Serve It Hot: Enjoy your chicken right out of the oven while it’s warm! The flavors are at their peak, and the sauce will be beautifully glossy and rich.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious one pan balsamic chicken that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one pan balsamic chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 40g
These estimates make one pan balsamic chicken a nutritious choice packed with protein while keeping it relatively low in carbs. Enjoy this delicious dish without any guilt!
What to Do Next
I can’t wait to hear how your one pan balsamic chicken turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you make any tasty tweaks? I love hearing about your culinary adventures! And if you enjoyed this dish, don’t forget to rate the recipe—your feedback means the world to me! Sharing your experiences helps others find this delicious recipe too. So, snap a pic of your stunning creation, tag me, and let’s spread the love for this easy and flavorful meal together. Happy cooking, friends!
Imprimer
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 7 Irresistible Recipe Tips
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and delicious one pan balsamic chicken recipe.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Add spinach during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Serve with rice or pasta if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: one pan balsamic chicken
