This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is the perfect weeknight meal! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty balsamic sauce all come together in one pan for easy cooking and cleanup.
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing while you kick back. Plus, it’s so flavorful that nobody will believe you made it so fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook quickly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have balsamic, red wine vinegar works nicely too, though it will be less sweet. You could also mix a bit of honey with vinegar for a similar flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: These provide a burst of flavor and freshness. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with chopped bell peppers or canned diced tomatoes.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but if you can’t find it, use shredded mozzarella or even provolone for a different yet tasty cheese option!
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly in One Pan?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is crucial! Start by searing your chicken in olive oil on medium-high heat. This creates a nice crust. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this point. You will finish it off in the oven, which keeps it juicy!
- Evenly season both sides of the chicken to enhance flavor.
- Brown chicken just until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is key for flavor.
- Add your veggies around the chicken before transferring to the oven – this will help cook everything evenly!
By the time the chicken is done baking, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors! 🍽️
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese or about 4 oz mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish! It’s a quick, tasty option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready when you need it.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they have a nice golden-brown color. Don’t worry if they aren’t completely cooked through as they’ll finish in the oven. If there’s excess oil, carefully remove it.
4. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, toss the cherry tomatoes into the pan around the chicken. They’ll cook and burst while the chicken bakes, adding delicious flavor!
5. Mix the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, and basil. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken and tomatoes in the skillet.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious balsamic flavors.
7. Add the Cheese:
Once 15 minutes have passed, remove the skillet from the oven. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
8. Final Bake:
Put the skillet back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve it right from the skillet for a beautiful presentation and enjoy your easy one-pan dinner!
This recipe is sure to impress! It combines juicy, balsamic-glazed chicken with fresh cherry tomatoes and gooey mozzarella cheese, all made in one pan for easy cooking and minimal cleanup. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first before cooking. The safest way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also use the quick thaw method by sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar can work as an alternative. You might want to add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to balance the acidity, making it closer to the flavor of balsamic.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the chicken’s tenderness.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add onions, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the cherry tomatoes. Just consider cooking them slightly longer to ensure they are tender by the time the chicken is done.
