Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Simple and Delicious Meal

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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach, packed - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish - Add sliced bell peppers for extra crunch. - Mix in mushrooms for an earthy flavor. - Use different greens like kale or arugula. - You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat. - Maple syrup works well in place of honey for a vegan option. - If you lack balsamic vinegar, try red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar. - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace dried oregano for a fresh taste. Using these ingredients, you can create a meal that is simple and packed with flavor. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To start, gather your mixing bowl and the marinade ingredients. You need balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the bowl first. Then, add honey and olive oil. Use a whisk to mix them well. Next, add the minced garlic and oregano. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything blends nicely. This marinade brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your chicken. Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour in your prepared marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor. This step is key. It helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. After marinating, it’s cooking time! Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the skillet is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Place the chicken in the skillet without moving it for about 6-7 minutes. This helps create a nice crust. Flip the chicken carefully using tongs. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach around the chicken. Pour the reserved marinade over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The spinach should wilt and the tomatoes should soften. This easy one-pan balsamic chicken recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor. For the full recipe, check the beginning of the article. Enjoy! To cook chicken just right, start with even thickness. Pound the chicken breasts to about half an inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in for a tender bite. This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread. Try serving it with a side salad too. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. If you want extra flavor, drizzle some extra balsamic glaze over the top. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhance the dish’s taste and look. Cleaning up is easy with this one-pan recipe. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water right after cooking. For stubborn bits, use a non-scratch scrubber. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Keeping your kitchen tidy makes cooking more fun! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try turkey breast or pork tenderloin. Both options cook well with balsamic flavors. For a quicker meal, use shrimp. Just adjust cooking time. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch closely. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, replace chicken with hearty vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms work great. They soak up the marinade and add rich flavor. You can also use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. Feel free to mix up the flavors! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new taste. You can also switch balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter flavor. If you like sweet dishes, add more honey. Each twist gives you a new dish to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight . After enjoying your one-pan balsamic chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken and veggies fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy food. To reheat, simply place the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra balsamic vinegar to keep things moist. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you keep the flavor and texture intact. For the full recipe, check out Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. A longer marinating time helps the chicken soak up more flavor. The acid in the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and tasty. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for later. Just reheat it gently. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These options will give a different flavor but still work well in this dish. You might want to add a little honey for sweetness. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into containers. It keeps well in the fridge and is easy to reheat. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Yes, you can cook this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After marinating, place the chicken in a baking dish with the veggies and marinade. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. For detailed instructions and ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post shared everything you need to know about making balsamic chicken. We covered the key ingredients and optional ones, plus tips for swaps. You learned the marinating steps and how to cook it to perfection. We also discussed variations and storage tips. Cooking can be fun, and making this dish fits into any meal plan. By following these steps and using the tips, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? This Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken brings simple flavors to life with just one pan. You’ll enjoy tender chicken coated in a rich, tangy balsamic sauce, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re busy or just want a fast meal, this dish fits the bill. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

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Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 cups fresh spinach, packed

– 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Variation

– Add sliced bell peppers for extra crunch.

– Mix in mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

– Use different greens like kale or arugula.

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

– You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat.

– Maple syrup works well in place of honey for a vegan option.

– If you lack balsamic vinegar, try red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar.

– Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace dried oregano for a fresh taste.

Using these ingredients, you can create a meal that is simple and packed with flavor. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Marinade

To start, gather your mixing bowl and the marinade ingredients. You need balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the bowl first. Then, add honey and olive oil. Use a whisk to mix them well. Next, add the minced garlic and oregano. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything blends nicely. This marinade brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your chicken.

Marinating the Chicken

Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour in your prepared marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor. This step is key. It helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors.

Cooking Process Overview

After marinating, it’s cooking time! Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the skillet is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Place the chicken in the skillet without moving it for about 6-7 minutes. This helps create a nice crust. Flip the chicken carefully using tongs. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach around the chicken. Pour the reserved marinade over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The spinach should wilt and the tomatoes should soften.

This easy one-pan balsamic chicken recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor. For the full recipe, check the beginning of the article. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

To cook chicken just right, start with even thickness. Pound the chicken breasts to about half an inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in for a tender bite.

Suggestions for Pairing and Serving

This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread. Try serving it with a side salad too. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. If you want extra flavor, drizzle some extra balsamic glaze over the top. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhance the dish’s taste and look.

Best Practices for Cleanup and Maintenance

Cleaning up is easy with this one-pan recipe. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water right after cooking. For stubborn bits, use a non-scratch scrubber. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Keeping your kitchen tidy makes cooking more fun!

Variations

Alternative Protein Options

You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try turkey breast or pork tenderloin. Both options cook well with balsamic flavors. For a quicker meal, use shrimp. Just adjust cooking time. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch closely.

Vegetarian Variations

If you prefer a vegetarian dish, replace chicken with hearty vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms work great. They soak up the marinade and add rich flavor. You can also use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken.

Flavor Profile Adjustments

Feel free to mix up the flavors! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new taste. You can also switch balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter flavor. If you like sweet dishes, add more honey. Each twist gives you a new dish to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight .

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your one-pan balsamic chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken and veggies fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy food.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply place the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra balsamic vinegar to keep things moist. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway.

Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you keep the flavor and texture intact. For the full recipe, check out Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight.

FAQs

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. A longer marinating time helps the chicken soak up more flavor. The acid in the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and tasty.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for later. Just reheat it gently.

What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These options will give a different flavor but still work well in this dish. You might want to add a little honey for sweetness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into containers. It keeps well in the fridge and is easy to reheat. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After marinating, place the chicken in a baking dish with the veggies and marinade. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Full Recipe Reference: Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight

For detailed instructions and ingredients, check out the Full Recipe.

This blog post shared everything you need to know about making balsamic chicken. We covered the key ingredients and optional ones, plus tips for swaps. You learned the marinating steps and how to cook it to perfection. We also discussed variations and storage tips.

Cooking can be fun, and making this dish fits into any meal plan. By following these steps and using the tips, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach, packed - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish - Add sliced bell peppers for extra crunch. - Mix in mushrooms for an earthy flavor. - Use different greens like kale or arugula. - You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat. - Maple syrup works well in place of honey for a vegan option. - If you lack balsamic vinegar, try red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar. - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace dried oregano for a fresh taste. Using these ingredients, you can create a meal that is simple and packed with flavor. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To start, gather your mixing bowl and the marinade ingredients. You need balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the bowl first. Then, add honey and olive oil. Use a whisk to mix them well. Next, add the minced garlic and oregano. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything blends nicely. This marinade brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your chicken. Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour in your prepared marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor. This step is key. It helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. After marinating, it’s cooking time! Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the skillet is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Place the chicken in the skillet without moving it for about 6-7 minutes. This helps create a nice crust. Flip the chicken carefully using tongs. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach around the chicken. Pour the reserved marinade over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The spinach should wilt and the tomatoes should soften. This easy one-pan balsamic chicken recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor. For the full recipe, check the beginning of the article. Enjoy! To cook chicken just right, start with even thickness. Pound the chicken breasts to about half an inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in for a tender bite. This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread. Try serving it with a side salad too. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. If you want extra flavor, drizzle some extra balsamic glaze over the top. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhance the dish’s taste and look. Cleaning up is easy with this one-pan recipe. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water right after cooking. For stubborn bits, use a non-scratch scrubber. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Keeping your kitchen tidy makes cooking more fun! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try turkey breast or pork tenderloin. Both options cook well with balsamic flavors. For a quicker meal, use shrimp. Just adjust cooking time. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch closely. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, replace chicken with hearty vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms work great. They soak up the marinade and add rich flavor. You can also use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. Feel free to mix up the flavors! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new taste. You can also switch balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter flavor. If you like sweet dishes, add more honey. Each twist gives you a new dish to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight . After enjoying your one-pan balsamic chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken and veggies fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy food. To reheat, simply place the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra balsamic vinegar to keep things moist. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you keep the flavor and texture intact. For the full recipe, check out Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. A longer marinating time helps the chicken soak up more flavor. The acid in the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and tasty. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for later. Just reheat it gently. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These options will give a different flavor but still work well in this dish. You might want to add a little honey for sweetness. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into containers. It keeps well in the fridge and is easy to reheat. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Yes, you can cook this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After marinating, place the chicken in a baking dish with the veggies and marinade. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. For detailed instructions and ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post shared everything you need to know about making balsamic chicken. We covered the key ingredients and optional ones, plus tips for swaps. You learned the marinating steps and how to cook it to perfection. We also discussed variations and storage tips. Cooking can be fun, and making this dish fits into any meal plan. By following these steps and using the tips, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

Discover the deliciousness of Savory One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Delight! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all infused with a delectable balsamic marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with a meal that’s bursting with flavor and minimal cleanup!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach, packed

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and the honey is dissolved.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, or up to 2 hours for an even richer taste.

      Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drizzle a little extra olive oil in the skillet to coat the bottom evenly.

        Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (set the marinade aside for later use) and place it into the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes without moving it, allowing it to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.

          Flip and Add Veggies: Carefully turn the chicken breasts over using tongs. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet, setting them around the chicken. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and vegetables to infuse flavor as it cooks.

            Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer together for an additional 8-10 minutes. Cook until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes have softened.

              Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes to lock in juices. Before serving, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and vegetables directly from the skillet for a rustic look, or transfer to a beautiful serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and enjoy!

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?