Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an easy choice because they cook quickly and stay tender. You could substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness, but you can swap them for regular diced tomatoes or even bell peppers if you prefer. Just note that the texture and sweetness will vary.

Baby Potatoes: I like baby potatoes because they cook evenly. You can use diced regular potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different taste. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Green Beans: Fresh green beans are a crunchy addition. Consider using asparagus or broccoli as substitutes in a pinch.

Balsamic Vinegar: This is key for tanginess. If you don’t have balsamic, try apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor, but add a little more honey to balance it out.

How to Get Perfectly Searing Chicken?

Searing is essential for locking in flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it right:

• Heat your skillet until it’s nice and hot before adding the oil.
• Use a high smoke point oil like olive oil, but don’t be shy with the amount—this prevents sticking.
• Don’t crowd the pan! If there isn’t enough space, cook the chicken in batches.
• Let the chicken sit without moving it for 4-5 minutes, then flip and do the same to get that nice golden crust.

Following these tips will give your chicken a great flavor and texture every time!

Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Protein: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Vegetables:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook in the oven. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious one-pan meal ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important as it ensures your dinner cooks evenly once you put it in.

2. Season the Chicken:

Next, take your chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This will help bring out the flavors in the chicken.

3. Sear the Chicken:

In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nice and golden brown. Once they are done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

4. Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until you can smell the delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn it!

5. Cook the Vegetables:

Now, add the baby potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. After that, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and trimmed green beans, mixing everything together.

6. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This will create a sweet and tangy sauce to pour over the veggies.

7. Combine Everything:

Pour the balsamic mixture over the vegetables in the skillet, ensuring everything is well coated. Then, take your seared chicken breasts and place them on top of the veggies.

8. Bake to Perfection:

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and the potatoes to be fork-tender.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your hearty one-pan balsamic chicken dinner!

FAQs for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus all work well and can add different flavors to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time if using veggies that require more or less time to cook.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can help refresh the flavors!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep everything (season the chicken and chop the veggies) a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate the ingredients separately. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the instructions starting from searing the chicken.

What Can I Serve With This Dish?

This one-pan meal is delicious on its own, but it’s great served over rice or quinoa to soak up the balsamic sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!