This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a tasty meal packed with juicy chicken and colorful veggies. It’s cooked all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs are also great. They stay juicy and add flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient is key for that rich flavor. If you need a substitute, try red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey. It can mimic the sweetness and tanginess!
Honey/Brown Sugar: Honey brings a lovely sweetness to balance the balsamic. If you’re avoiding sweetness, you can skip it or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
Vegetables: Bell peppers and green beans add color and crunch. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand, like zucchini or asparagus.
Thyme: Dried thyme is wonderful, but fresh thyme or rosemary would elevate this dish even further. If you don’t have herbs, Italian seasoning works too!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Right?
Cooking chicken properly is important for both safety and flavor. Here’s how to make sure your chicken comes out perfectly tender:
- Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Consider the thickness of the chicken breasts. If they’re thick, you might want to butterfly them or pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. This helps retain moisture.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Season:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This will add great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are a beautiful golden brown. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers, red onion, green beans, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften. This will bring out their wonderful flavors!
4. Make the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), chicken broth, and thyme, whisking them together until smooth. This sauce is what makes the dish so tasty!
5. Combine and Bake:
Now, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them among the sautéed vegetables. Pour the delicious balsamic mixture over everything, ensuring the chicken and veggies are nicely coated.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken; it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a minute or two. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Serve warm, ideally with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up all that yummy balsamic sauce!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan balsamic chicken dinner!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli work great, just adjust the cooking time slightly based on their tenderness. Keep in mind that firmer veggies may need a bit more sautéing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep everything moist while reheating.
Can I Make This with Boneless Skinless Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs are a great substitute! They tend to be juicier and have more flavor compared to chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if necessary, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
What Can I Serve with Balsamic Chicken Dinner?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the balsamic sauce. A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables also make excellent accompaniments.
