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To make One Pan Balsamic Chicken, you need these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic for a different taste. Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan option. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. You can also use any fresh greens instead of spinach, like kale or arugula. When picking chicken, look for bright pink meat with no dark spots. The skin should look smooth and shiny. For tomatoes, choose ones that feel firm and have a sweet aroma. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and crisp, not wilted. Always check the expiration dates on any packaged items too. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. In a bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 minced garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients well. This marinade gives the chicken great flavor. Next, take a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Place the chicken breasts inside. Pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. Then, add: - 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Spread these around the chicken. Their juices will mix with the marinade as they cook. Now, put the dish in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up the flavors. After 20 minutes, take it out. Add: - 2 cups fresh spinach Place the spinach around the chicken. This will wilt nicely. Drizzle some pan juices over the chicken. Now put the dish back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). When done, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Before serving, add some fresh basil leaves on top for a lovely finish. To get the best flavor from your balsamic chicken, follow these steps: - Marinate the chicken: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This adds deep flavor. - Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil enhances the taste. Add it just before serving. - Balance the sweet and sour: The honey and balsamic vinegar need to balance. Adjust to your taste. These tips help you create a dish that bursts with flavor. Juicy chicken makes your meal enjoyable. Here’s how to keep it moist: - Don’t overcook: Bake the chicken until it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Rest the chicken: Let it sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle. - Baste during baking: Spoon the pan juices over the chicken halfway through cooking. This keeps it moist. These tricks ensure every bite is tender and juicy. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions: - Chicken is dry: You may have cooked it too long. Use a thermometer next time. - Flavor is weak: Ensure you marinate well. Adding more salt can also help. - Vegetables are soggy: Don’t overbake them. Add them later in the cooking process. These tips help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy a great meal. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking. This will enhance the taste and tenderness. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and herbs instead of dried can elevate the dish's flavor profile significantly. Fresh basil especially adds a fragrant note. Cooking Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's cooked through and safe to eat. Leftover Possibilities: This dish makes for great leftovers! Use the leftover chicken and veggies in salads or sandwiches for a quick meal. {{image_4}} You can change this dish by adding different veggies. Try bell peppers for crunch. Zucchini slices add a lovely texture. Carrots bring a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can boost flavor too. Just chop them and toss them in with the chicken. Each choice adds a new twist to the dish. If you want a smoky taste, try grilling the chicken. Marinate the chicken as usual. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill each breast for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also sauté the chicken in a skillet. Use olive oil over medium heat. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Both methods give you juicy chicken with a crispy outside. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade. This gives the dish a nice kick. For a fresh twist, try adding orange or lemon juice. Replace part of the balsamic vinegar with citrus juice. You can also add zest from these fruits for extra flavor. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. To keep your One Pan Balsamic Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it’s cool before sealing. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Place the container in the fridge. Your leftovers will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you have extra sauce, store it separately for better taste. When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Heat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover it with a damp paper towel in the microwave to prevent drying out. Freezing is a smart way to save this dish for later. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will freeze well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave. This way, you can enjoy this tasty meal anytime! Bake chicken breasts at 400°F for about 20 minutes. After this, add spinach and bake for 10-15 more minutes. This helps the chicken become juicy and tender. Always check the inside temperature. It should reach 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts. They will take longer to cook. I suggest baking them for about 30-35 minutes before adding spinach. This extra time helps the meat stay moist and flavorful. Balsamic chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Rice or quinoa for a filling base - Roasted vegetables for extra color and flavor - A fresh green salad for a light touch - Garlic bread for a cozy addition These sides will enhance your meal and make it more balanced. Enjoy! This post covers everything you need for balsamic chicken. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and how to store leftovers. Sharing tips for flavor and texture is vital. I hope you feel confident trying variations like grilling or adding herbs. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to pair it with great sides. With these tips, you can cook perfect balsamic chicken every time. Happy cooking!

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Bliss

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken breasts marinated in balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic, baked with cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • for garnishing fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will bake evenly and achieve a perfect texture.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your savory marinade that flavors the chicken beautifully.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish or a sturdy oven-safe skillet. Carefully pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
  • Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish, allowing their juices to meld with the marinade as they cook and add a burst of sweetness.
  • Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, letting the chicken absorb the delicious marinade.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Add the fresh spinach around the chicken, ensuring it gets a little steam and wilts nicely. Use a spoon or baster to drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist during the next phase of cooking.
  • Place the pan back in the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be juicy and tender when finished.
  • When done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute. Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword balsamic, chicken, easy dinner, one-pan