Let me tell you, my friends, one pan balsamic chicken is an absolute game changer in the kitchen! I love how effortlessly this dish comes together, bringing a delightful burst of flavor without the fuss. Seriously, it’s like a symphony of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken all in one baking dish! And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze—just one pan to wash! Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this simple, yet incredibly delicious meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious one pan balsamic chicken. I promise you’ll find these ingredients easy to gather and so full of flavor!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup packed cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—this dish comes together so quickly, you won’t want to be scrambling for ingredients while it’s baking! Enjoy the colorful medley of flavors and textures; it’s just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate!
How to Prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of making this one pan balsamic chicken! I promise you’re going to love how straightforward this is!
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 cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown color. While that oven is heating up, you can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended. The aroma of the vinegar and garlic will have your taste buds tingling in anticipation! This marinade is where all the flavor magic happens, so don’t skip this step!
Arrange Chicken and Vegetables
Next, take your chicken breasts and lay them in a baking dish. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they can cook evenly – we want them juicy, not crowded! Pour that delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure it gets all over. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. They’ll roast beautifully and burst with flavor while cooking!
Baking the Chicken
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—just keep an eye on them!
Adding Spinach
After 25 minutes, it’s time to stir in the fresh spinach. This will add a lovely pop of color and nutrition to your dish! Bake everything for another 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
Serving Instructions
Once it’s out of the oven, let your one pan balsamic chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This little break allows the juices to settle, making each bite extra tender and flavorful. Serve it up with some fluffy rice or quinoa on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce—trust me, you won’t want to miss a drop!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful one pan balsamic chicken! Each serving is packed with goodness, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 40g
Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use—like whether you choose organic chicken or adjust the amount of oil. But overall, you’re looking at a nutritious meal that’s both filling and flavorful. So dig in without guilt—your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh veggies creates an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes, this dish is a wholesome choice for any meal.
- One Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and hassle in the kitchen—just one dish to clean up afterwards!
- Versatile Side Options: It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad, giving you flexibility in how you serve it.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful array of chicken, tomatoes, and spinach makes for a stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes!
Tips for Success
Ready to elevate your one pan balsamic chicken to the next level? Here are some of my top tips that’ll help you achieve a dish that’s not only delicious but also perfectly cooked every time!
- Chicken Thickness Matters: If you have chicken breasts that are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to an even size. This will ensure that they cook uniformly—no more dry edges while waiting for the center to cook through!
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have a little extra time, let the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the fridge!). This will deepen the flavor and make the chicken extra juicy.
- Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness! They complement the balsamic flavor beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, allow your chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.
- Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus are fantastic additions that can change up the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this one pan balsamic chicken recipe. Enjoy the cooking process and happy eating!
Variations
One of the best things about this one pan balsamic chicken is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting and make it your own. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey breasts or even pork chops! Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chosen protein.
- Veggie Medley: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They not only add flavor but also bring in extra nutrients and vibrant colors!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of oregano for a different flavor profile. You could even toss in some chopped fresh basil just before serving for an aromatic twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a little heat! It pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar.
- Sweet Addition: For a touch of sweetness, consider adding sliced strawberries or peaches around the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll caramelize and create a delicious contrast!
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some feta or mozzarella cheese over the chicken and veggies during the last few minutes of baking for a creamy, savory finish.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! Each variation brings its own unique flair and deliciousness to the table. Enjoy the adventure of creating your perfect one pan balsamic chicken!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your one pan balsamic chicken, you might have some delicious leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly to keep all that flavor intact.
First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make your chicken soggy. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. I like to separate the chicken from the veggies if I can, but it’s totally up to you!
Store the container in the refrigerator, and your one pan balsamic chicken should be good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for those busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of great ways to reheat them. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken and veggies in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the veggies vibrant.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it to keep moisture in, and heat in short intervals (about 1-2 minutes) until it’s hot. Just a heads up—microwaving might not give you that lovely roasted texture, but it’s quick and convenient!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pan balsamic chicken again and again, making every bite just as delightful as the first!
Imprimer
One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 5-Star Taste Made Easy
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and flavorful one pan balsamic chicken recipe.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 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 marinade over them.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Serve with rice or quinoa if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8.5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 8g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: one pan balsamic chicken
