One Pan Balsamic Chicken

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of cheesy, tangy flavor and nutrition, making it ideal for quick dinners or meal prep. With a whopping 61g of protein per serving, this dish caters to your health needs while being incredibly delicious. Its simplicity allows it to shine during busy weeknights or special occasions, and its gluten-free nature makes it accessible for many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just over 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh mozzarella creates a mouthwatering experience.
• High Protein Content: With 61g of protein per serving, this recipe is excellent for those looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy diet.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use different vegetables or herbs to customize the dish based on what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To make the One Pan Balsamic Chicken efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large oven-safe skillet: This is crucial for searing the chicken and transferring it directly to the oven without needing extra dishes.
• Mixing bowls: They help in preparing marinades and mixing ingredients without creating a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance in your dish.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This aromatic balsamic chicken is cheesy, tangy, flavorful, and full of nutrition. With a whopping 61g of protein per serving, it makes for a delicious, quick dinner. Gluten-free and high in protein.

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Topping

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)

For the Chicken

• 2 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, pounded to even thickness)
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you need it later.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl:
1. Mix together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Topping Mixture

In another bowl:
1. Tear mozzarella into pieces by hand.
2. Add halved grape tomatoes and chopped basil.
3. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Toss all ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat up a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetable oil and let it heat up thoroughly.
3. Season chicken breasts with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
4. Place chicken in a single layer in the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 5: Combine Marinade with Chicken

1. Give the balsamic mixture another stir before pouring it over the chicken in the skillet.
2. Allow it to come to a simmer while scraping off any browning from the pan’s bottom.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

1. Remove from heat after simmering.
2. Cover chicken with the mozzarella mixture prepared earlier.
3. Bake uncovered in preheated oven for about 18-23 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your One Pan Balsamic Chicken!

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and make your meal truly enjoyable. Whether you choose simple sides or a more elaborate setup, this chicken dish will impress.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the balsamic chicken perfectly.

Serve with Quinoa

• Fluffy quinoa adds a nutty flavor and provides additional protein, making it a great nutritious side.

Accompany with Garlic Bread

• Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious balsamic sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Add Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots create a colorful plate and provide added nutrition.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top gives a vibrant touch and enhances the overall taste of your meal.

Create a Wrap

• Use leftover chicken in a whole wheat wrap with fresh veggies for a quick lunch option the next day.

How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken

To achieve the best results for your One Pan Balsamic Chicken, consider these tips for flavor and texture enhancement:

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring uniform thickness helps cook the chicken evenly, resulting in juicy meat throughout.

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes enhances its taste.

• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking; perfect doneness ensures juicy chicken every time.

• Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain moisture, making each bite tender and flavorful.

• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for unique flavor variations alongside mozzarella.

Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Serving One Pan Balsamic Chicken alongside complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Asparagus
   Lightly steamed asparagus adds crunch and freshness that pairs well with the rich flavors of the chicken.

2. Couscous Salad
   A couscous salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized bring sweetness that balances out the tanginess of the balsamic sauce.

4. Zucchini Noodles
   Spiralized zucchini cooked briefly makes for a low-carb alternative that soaks up flavors beautifully.

5. Green Beans Almondine
   Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds add texture and elegance to your plate.

6. Cauliflower Rice
   This light side is an excellent base for soaking up extra sauce while keeping your meal gluten-free and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pan Balsamic Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the pounded chicken: Failing to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your chicken is uniformly thick for best results.

• Ignoring seasoning: Neglecting to season both sides of the chicken can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper before cooking.

• Not preheating the oven: Baking the chicken in a non-preheated oven can alter cooking times and texture. Always preheat your oven to 400F before placing the skillet inside.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too much chicken in the pan at once can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary for that perfect golden-brown crust.

• Using cold mozzarella: Adding cold cheese on top of hot chicken can prevent it from melting properly. Allow mozzarella to come to room temperature for optimal meltiness.

• Rushing the resting period: Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can lead to dry meat. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; label containers with dates for reference.

Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F and reheat covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pan Balsamic Chicken:

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef while following the same cooking instructions.

What should I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

Pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I make this dish more tangy?

To enhance tanginess, consider adding extra balsamic vinegar or a splash of lemon juice when mixing ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! One Pan Balsamic Chicken is perfect for meal prep due to its high protein content and easy storage options.

Final Thoughts

One Pan Balsamic Chicken offers a delightful balance of cheesy and tangy flavors, making it an appealing choice for dinner any night of the week. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients easily—try different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences. Encourage friends and family to give this nutritious recipe a try!