This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with colorful veggies all cooked in one pan. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that you’ll love!
Who doesn’t love a meal that requires minimal cleanup? I just toss everything in the pan and let it do its thing. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and delicious. 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish since they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is what gives the dish its tangy sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will change slightly.
Honey: Honey adds a sweet touch to the dish. If you’re avoiding sugar, try maple syrup or agave syrup instead. You could even use a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.
Vegetables: The blend of green beans, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots is colorful and nutritious. Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli based on what you have on hand.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Veggies?
Cooking chicken and vegetables together can sometimes lead to uneven results. To get them just right, follow these tips:
- Start by searing the chicken first—browning it adds flavor and keeps it juicy.
- Choose vegetables that cook at the same rate as chicken. Carrots take longer than tomatoes, so add them first.
- The oven temperature should be around 400°F (200°C). This helps everything cook evenly while getting that golden finish.
- Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a reliable tool here.
This easy process will guarantee a successful One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner every time!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook in the oven. Altogether, you can have a delicious, wholesome meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This will help add flavor!
3. Searing the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same pan, toss in the baby carrots and cook for about 2 minutes. Then, add in the green beans, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 minutes. You want the veggies to start softening up a bit!
5. Making the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian seasoning until well combined. This will be your delicious sauce!
6. Adding the Chicken Back:
Now, place the browned chicken breasts back into the pan, snugging them in among the veggies.
7. Pouring the Sauce:
Evenly pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
8. Baking it All Together:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, checking to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the veggies are tender.
9. Serving Your Dinner:
Once done, remove your skillet from the oven. Drizzle any tasty pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner with family or friends!
FAQs for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If you have frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly for veggies that take longer or shorter to cook.
