Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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As the sun sets and the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of One Pan Balsamic Chicken. This dish not only boasts a blend of tangy flavors but also presents a beautiful, colorful plate perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Imagine succulent chicken breasts glazed in a rich balsamic marinade, served alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a medley that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.

Reasons to Adore One Pan Balsamic Chicken

What makes this One Pan Balsamic Chicken a delight? First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, meaning you can spend more time enjoying dinner rather than stressing over complicated steps. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The balance of flavors from the balsamic and garlic, coupled with fresh basil, brightens the dish in a way that will have your family asking for seconds.

Simple and quick preparation
One pan for easy cleanup
Flavorful and fragrant notes
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
A feast for the eyes and the palate

Gather These Ingredients

For the best One Pan Balsamic Chicken experience, using fresh ingredients helps elevate the flavors. If you need to make any adjustments based on availability, you can easily swap in turkey bacon for a lighter touch. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

These ingredients blend beautifully to create a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Bringing It Together

Cooking One Pan Balsamic Chicken is as delightful as it is simple. Follow these steps to bring this dish to life:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The warmth of the oven will soon complement the lovely blend of balsamic and herbs.
In a large bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. The mixture will smell fragrant and inviting as the garlic begins to blend with the tangy balsamic.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for 30 minutes. Let the flavors soak in; you can feel the anticipation building.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. It should shimmer, ready to bring out the golden crust on your chicken.
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Listen for that satisfying sizzle!
Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Their vibrancy perfectly contrasts with the chicken.
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and tomatoes, creating an enticing glaze.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. The aroma will fill your home, coaxing everyone to the kitchen.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) for the perfect doneness.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving, adding a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Prep ~ 30 minutes, Cook ~ 30 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 350 (estimate).

Prepare in Advance

One Pan Balsamic Chicken can be a great dish to prepare ahead of time! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, which infuses it with even more flavor. Additionally, you can chop the basil and tomatoes in advance, keeping them stored in airtight containers until you’re ready to cook. Just ensure you let the marinated chicken come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers from your One Pan Balsamic Chicken are easy to store and still delicious. Place any remnants in an airtight container, and they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a few drops of olive oil to keep the chicken moist. A sensory cue to watch for is the delightful aroma returning as it heats, reminding you of the original dish!

Perfect Pairings

To enhance your One Pan Balsamic Chicken experience, consider these serving ideas:

Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the balsamic glaze
Steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome grain option
Garlic bread to balance the flavors of the dish
Roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious side

Variations and Swaps

Feel free to customize your One Pan Balsamic Chicken to match your tastes! Here are some ideas to consider:

Veggies Galore: Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the pan for additional nutrients and flavor.
Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to provide a unique flavor twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat that tastes wonderful with the balsamic.
Cheesy Delight: Top with mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty finish.
Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of a lemon into the marinade for a bright, citrusy element.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your One Pan Balsamic Chicken comes out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing. This helps retain the juices.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; a reading of 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the chicken; each piece should have space to brown evenly.
For best results, consider using a cast-iron skillet; it holds heat well and promotes even cooking.
If you would like extra sauce, consider doubling the marinade ingredients for a more luscious dish.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?
You can swap in halved grape tomatoes or even a mix of seasonal vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, One Pan Balsamic Chicken can be made ahead and divided into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I skip marinating the chicken?
While marinating enhances the flavor, you can cook the chicken immediately. Just be mindful that it may not be as flavorful.

Final Thoughts

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy sharing something delicious with loved ones. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, this dish quickly becomes a favorite in any home. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, don’t hesitate to make this a go-to recipe in your collection. So why wait? Try your hand at One Pan Balsamic Chicken soon and let its comforting taste warm your heart!

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Poultry

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Description

A simple and flavorful dish featuring succulent chicken breasts glazed in a rich balsamic marinade and served with juicy cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for 30 minutes.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet.
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and tomatoes.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.