This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a simple and yummy meal! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tangy balsamic glaze all cooked in one pan make clean-up a breeze.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even thin-cut chicken cutlets to shorten cooking time.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color. If you have other kinds like green or orange peppers, feel free to swap them in! Frozen bell pepper strips can work too, just adjust cooking times.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are great since they cook evenly. If you don’t have them, regular potatoes cut into small pieces work just fine. Sweet potatoes could also add a delicious twist.
Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the glaze! If you don’t have balsamic, you can use red wine vinegar with a bit of sugar for sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is another good alternative, but adjust the amount to taste since it can be tangier.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but fear not! Here’s how to make sure your chicken stays juicy and tender:
- Start by searing the chicken for a nice golden color, which adds flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- If using thicker breasts, consider covering them with foil in the oven to keep them moist.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps retain the juices when you cut into it.
With these tips, you’ll nail the chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook in the oven. So in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious one-pan dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your meal will cook evenly and turn out perfect!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides. This will add flavor to your dish.
3. Searing the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step gives a nice crust and flavor to the chicken. Once done, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
4. Cooking the Vegetables:
Using the same pan, add the halved baby potatoes. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly browned. Next, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Stir everything and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the veggies soften a bit.
5. Making the Balsamic Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, honey (or maple syrup), and dried thyme. This mixture will bring a delicious tangy sweetness to the dish!
6. Combining Everything:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, placing them among the vegetables and potatoes. Pour the balsamic mixture over everything in the pan, making sure it coats the chicken and veggies well.
7. Baking:
Now it’s time to bake! Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once your dish is ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delightful one-pan balsamic chicken dinner!
This simple and flavorful meal is not only easy to make but also features bright colors and a delicious tangy glaze. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe includes bell peppers and red onion, you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, feel free to use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. For an added flavor boost, consider using a mix of water and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep it ahead by chopping the veggies and marinating the chicken in the balsamic mixture. Simply assemble and bake it when you’re ready to eat!
Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!