One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings together simplicity and flavor in one tidy package. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic glaze, perfectly complemented by vibrant vegetables. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this recipe offers an easy solution without compromising on taste. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, allowing you to swap out vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your preferences. easy chicken taco recipe With minimal clean-up required, all you need is one pan to create a hearty meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of juicy chicken and roasted vegetables, all infused with the delightful hints of garlic and balsamic vinegar, makes this dish irresistible. In approximately 30 minutes, you can serve a nutritious meal that looks as good as it tastes, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress at the dinner table or simply enjoy some quality home-cooked food.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks For more inspiration, check out this easy ham and cheese sliders recipe.
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
For more inspiration, check out this smashed brussels sprouts recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
- Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the depth of flavor in your dish
- Mixed Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli work well; feel free to mix in seasonal veggies based on availability
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their natural flavor while they cook.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop your chosen mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Place them around the seasoned chicken in the baking dish.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and any additional spices you prefer.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure everything is well coated for maximum flavor during cooking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F/74°C).
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and veggies up to a day in advance. Marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs for at least one hour before cooking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For long-term storage, freeze in portions for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain quality.
- Reheating: To reheat, place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, heating in intervals of one minute until heated through.
Suggestions for One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
One common mistake when preparing One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is overcrowding the pan. When you place too many ingredients in a single layer, they steam instead of roast, leading to soggy vegetables and undercooked chicken. To achieve that perfect caramelization, ensure there’s enough space between each piece of chicken and vegetable. perfect side for chicken If your pan is small, consider cooking in batches or using two pans. This simple adjustment can elevate the flavors and textures of the dish significantly.
Don’t Skip Marinating
Skipping the marinating step may seem tempting when time is tight, but it can reduce the flavor of your One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies. Marinating the chicken in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs allows the meat to absorb all those delicious flavors. Even a short marination time of 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference. For best results, aim for at least an hour. If you have more time, letting it marinate overnight enhances the taste even further.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is essential for making a flavorful One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies. Fresh vegetables not only add vibrant colors but also contribute to better taste and texture. When selecting your produce, look for firm, crisp veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. Additionally, using fresh herbs instead of dried ones elevates the dish’s flavor profile significantly. Make sure to wash your ingredients thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or pesticides.
Monitor Cooking Time
Failing to monitor cooking time can lead to overcooked chicken or burnt veggies in your One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies. Each ingredient has its own ideal cooking time; for example, chicken typically takes longer than most vegetables. Start with the chicken first, allowing it to brown properly before adding vegetables that cook faster. Keeping an eye on your dish will help ensure everything cooks perfectly without drying out or becoming mushy.
FAQs
What is One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies?
One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines chicken breasts with various seasonal vegetables, all cooked together in one pan. The key flavor comes from balsamic vinegar combined with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This method not only simplifies cleanup but also allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully during cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep since you can enjoy a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I substitute other proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken as the main protein source, you can easily substitute other meats like turkey or pork tenderloin if desired. For those looking for vegetarian options, tofu or tempeh works well too; just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor but pairs wonderfully with balsamic glaze as well as assorted veggies.
How long does it take to prepare One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies?
Preparation time for One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies generally ranges from 10 to 15 minutes if you have ingredients prepped ahead of time. Cooking usually takes about 25-30 minutes depending on your oven temperature and thickness of the chicken pieces used. Overall, you can expect this entire dish to be ready within an hour—perfect for those craving something quick yet satisfying!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can certainly make One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies ahead of time for meal prepping purposes or simply to save cooking effort during busy days. After preparing it, allow it to cool before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop before serving again; however, be careful not to overcook it during reheating to maintain its quality.
Conclusion for One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
In conclusion, mastering One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies offers a delightful culinary experience that balances simplicity with rich flavors. Key points include avoiding common mistakes like overcrowding the pan or skipping marination processes while ensuring fresh ingredients are utilized throughout preparation. Cooking times require attention as each element contributes differently towards achieving optimal results—so keep an eye on that oven! With these tips in mind, you’ll create a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying without extensive cleanup afterward—perfect for family dinners or meal prepping during busy weeks!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies is a delicious, stress-free meal that combines tender chicken breasts with colorful vegetables, all cooked together in one pan. Marinated in a rich balsamic glaze and infused with garlic, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers impressive flavors without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Chop mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around the seasoned chicken in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and any additional spices.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drizzle with remaining sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
