One Pan Balsamic Chicken

There’s something truly comforting about a dish like One Pan Balsamic Chicken. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of balsamic vinegar and roasted vegetables filled my kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. It was a weeknight, and after a long day, the thought of preparing a hearty meal seemed daunting. However, this recipe was exactly what I needed—simple yet bursting with flavor. With just one pan and minimal cleanup, it quickly became a staple in my home. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce combined with tender pieces of chicken make it not just a meal, but a feast for the senses. Every bite brings a delightful harmony of tangy and sweet, leaving you feeling satisfied yet eager for more.

Main Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in developing the delicious flavor profile of One Pan Balsamic Chicken. The fusion of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and fresh vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that is both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This rich oil serves as a healthy fat base, enhancing the dish’s flavor while allowing the other ingredients to shine.
• Balsamic Vinegar – A key ingredient, it adds a sweet and tangy depth that marries perfectly with the chicken and vegetables.
• Honey – Introduces a natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Chicken Breast – Lean and protein-packed, it’s the main attraction, bringing heartiness to the dish.
• Sweet Potato – Adds a touch of sweetness while providing fiber and vitamins.
• Asparagus – Offers a nice crunch and is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K.
• Garlic – Enhances the dish with its aromatic flavor, creating a delightful background note.

Recipe Steps for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Cooking One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful experience that brings the kitchen to life. You’ll love how simple and enjoyable the steps are. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by whisking together the balsamic sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. This includes balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The mixture should be well-combined and smooth, creating a tangy sauce perfect for marinating the chicken.

2. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the sauce in a separate bowl or freezer bag. This will be reserved for later. Now, take the chopped chicken breast and combine it with the remaining marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate while you prepare the vegetables; this step is crucial for flavor.

3. Next, prepare your sweet potatoes. Place the chopped pieces into a microwave-safe bowl with a lid. Pour in just enough water to reach about a quarter inch up the sides of the potatoes. Cover the bowl and microwave them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and set the sweet potatoes aside.

4. Now, it’s time to heat up your large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter along with a tablespoon of olive oil. This combination provides a great base for cooking the chicken.

5. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté for about a minute until the outside of the chicken is no longer pink. This will help lock in the flavor and moisture.

6. Next, add the chopped shallot to the pan and cook for a minute, allowing it to become translucent and fragrant before introducing the asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the asparagus is crisp-tender. The colors will be vibrant and inviting.

7. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds. You’ll notice a rich aroma filling the air, signaling that the flavors are melding beautifully.

8. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the reserved sweet potatoes back into the skillet along with the remaining balsamic sauce that hasn’t touched the raw chicken. Stir everything well, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to your liking.

9. Taste the dish and adjust it as needed. If you feel it’s a bit strong, sprinkle in some brown sugar for sweetness or a splash of lemon juice for a tangy kick. The balance of flavors is key, and you can personalize it to your preference.

10. Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve your One Pan Balsamic Chicken hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This dish is not only satisfying but also visually appealing with its vibrant vegetables and succulent chicken.

Recipe Variations about One Pan Balsamic Chicken

There are endless possibilities when it comes to variations of One Pan Balsamic Chicken. Feel free to mix things up and try these tips to personalize your dish!

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli. The more, the merrier!
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Grain Base: Serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to make it more filling and nutritious.
• Swap Out Proteins: Try using turkey or even firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried herbs for a fragrant twist.
• Marinade Time: If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight for even more pronounced flavors.
• Serving Style: Consider serving with a side salad to lighten things up or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving One Pan Balsamic Chicken, the possibilities are plentiful! Here are some ideas:

• With Quinoa: Pair it with fluffy quinoa or couscous for a healthy grain option that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Seasonal Salads: Complement the dish with a fresh salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread on the side to help scoop up all the flavors from the pan.
• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store portions in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Family Gatherings: Ideal for gatherings and special occasions, this dish makes a beautiful presentation with the colorful mix of vegetables.
• Casual Dinners: For a casual dinner, serve it with roasted or steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s nutritious and satisfying.
• Leftover Enhancements: Leftovers can be transformed into a delicious wrap or salad the next day, keeping your meals exciting.

FAQ

Conclusion

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is truly a delightful addition to any dinner table, combining ease of preparation with rich, satisfying flavors. With its vibrant vegetables and juicy chicken, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try making this dish tonight—your family will love it, and so will you!

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

The ultimate weeknight meal is here! One Pan Balsamic Chicken combines juicy chicken with fresh vegetables and a rich balsamic glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for busy evenings and will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 13 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional for a kick
• 1.25 pounds Chicken Breast chopped into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large Sweet Potato peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 large Shallot chopped (may sub 1 tsp onion powder)
• 1 pound Fresh Asparagus ends trimmed, chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 1.5 cups Cherry Tomatoes
• 4-6 cloves Garlic minced (may sub 1 tsp garlic powder)

Equipment

• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Peeler

Method

 

1. Whisk the balsamic sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons and add to a bowl or freezer bag with the chopped chicken; set aside to marinate while you chop the veggies and steam the sweet potatoes (up to 30 minutes at room temp or 4 hours in the fridge). Reserve remaining sauce for later.
2. Add chopped sweet potatoes to a microwave safe bowl with a lid. Add water it reaches ¼-inch up the sides. Cover and microwave for 5-7 minutes or until fork tender; drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken for 1 minute then add shallot and cook just until the outside of the chicken is no longer pink. Add the asparagus, and tomatoes and cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until asparagus are crisp-tender. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
4. Add the sweet potatoes back to the skillet along with the remaining balsamic sauce (that didn’t touch the raw chicken). Cook, stirring constantly, until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, about 1 minute. Taste and add brown sugar for sweeter, balsamic or lemon juice for tangier. Dig in!

Notes

• Tip 1: Don’t over-marinate chicken. The balsamic vinegar and lemon juice are highly acidic so you don’t want to marinate the balsamic chicken for too long or the acid can break down the chicken and make it mushy.
• Tip 2: Sear chicken, don’t cook through. Remember we are just searing the chicken initially with the shallots, it will finish cooking with the tomatoes, asparagus and sauce.
• Tip 3: Buy thinner asparagus. If possible, purchase asparagus stalks that are on the thinner side. Thick asparagus is often woody and not as flavorful.
• Tip 4: Don’t over-cook sweet potatoes. Cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave just until tender. If you microwave them for too long, they’ll become too soft and mash up in the skillet.
• Tip 5: Adjust to taste. Every bottle of balsamic vinegar is different so it is important to adjust to taste.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.