This one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. It's a healthy, flavorful meal that's easy to prepare and clean up. The balsamic vinegar and honey add a tangy and sweet taste, while the red pepper flakes give it a bit of a kick. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the vegetables are crisp and fresh. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch.
Photos of One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are common and can be found in your kitchen. If not, they are easily available in any supermarket. The only ingredient that might not be readily available is the red pepper flakes. It adds a little heat and tons of flavor to the dish. So, make sure to add it to your shopping list if you don't have it at hand.
Essential Ingredients for One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Italian salad dressing: Used as a marinade for the chicken, adding flavor and moisture.
Balsamic vinegar: Gives a tangy flavor to the chicken and vegetables.
Honey: Balances the tanginess of the vinegar with its sweetness.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Chicken breast tenderloins: The main protein of the dish, absorbs flavors well and cooks quickly.
Olive oil: Used for frying the chicken and veggies, adds a rich and savory flavor.
Fresh asparagus: Adds a crisp, green element to the dish.
Matchstick carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and a crunchy texture.
Grape tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor and vibrant color.
One reader, Kienan Graf says:
This one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The chicken is tender, and the veggies are perfectly cooked. It's a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
How to prepare the balsamic dressing: Whisk together Italian salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until well combined. Set aside for later use.
How to cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, rotating once halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through.
How to cook the vegetables: Add the asparagus and carrots to the skillet after removing the chicken. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
How to thicken the dressing: After cooking the vegetables, add the remaining dressing mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, for about 1 minute.
How to finish the dish: Add the tomatoes to the chicken and veggies, then drizzle the thickened dressing mixture in the pan over the top. Alternatively, return the chicken and veggies to the pan and toss to coat with the dressing.
How To Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Cooked with asparagus, carrots, and tomatoes, plus a hint of honey and vinegar this chicken and veggies recipe is loaded with healthy flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupItalian salad dressing,plus 2 tbsp
- 3tbspbalsamic vinegar
- 1½tbsphoney
- ⅛tspred pepper flakes,crushed, more or less to taste
- 1¼lbchicken breast tenderloins
- 2tbspolive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1lbfresh asparagus
- 1½cupsmatchstick carrots
- 1cupgrape tomatoes,halved
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl whisk together salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste, then place chicken evenly in skillet.
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Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, rotating once halfway through cooking, until chicken has cooked through. Meanwhile, chop asparagus and tomatoes.
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Add half the dressing mixture to skillet and rotate chicken to evenly coat.
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Transfer chicken to a large plate or a serving platter while leaving sauce in skillet. Add asparagus and carrots to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook for about 4 minutes while stirring frequently, until crisp and tender. Transfer veggies to plate or platter with chicken.
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Add remaining dressing mixture to skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, for about 1 minute.
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Add tomatoes to chicken and veggies and drizzle dressing mixture in pan over top. Or return chicken and veggies to the pan and toss to coat.
Nutrition
- Calories: 589.43kcal
- Fat: 37.28g
- Saturated Fat: 7.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.37g
- Carbohydrates: 41.44g
- Fiber: 6.06g
- Sugar: 14.64g
- Protein: 24.39g
- Cholesterol: 58.12mg
- Sodium: 902.47mg
- Calcium: 82.69mg
- Potassium: 817.27mg
- Iron: 4.53mg
- Vitamin A: 444.11µg
- Vitamin C: 16.22mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting This Recipe
When cooking the chicken, ensure that it is cooked thoroughly by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165° Fahrenheit or 74° Celsius. This not only ensures food safety but also prevents the chicken from becoming dry and overcooked. Also, when adding the asparagus and carrots to the skillet, try not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the vegetables to steam rather than sauté, resulting in a different texture and flavor. Lastly, when thickening the dressing mixture in the skillet, keep the heat at a medium to low setting. High heat can cause the sauce to reduce too quickly, potentially burning it and creating an unpleasant taste.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and marinate the chicken and veggies the night before. This will save time and make the cooking process more efficient.
Use pre-cut veggies: Consider using pre-cut vegetables to save time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, chop the veggies to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
One-pan cooking: Opt for one-pan recipes to minimize clean-up and save time on washing multiple dishes.
Invest in quality tools: Quality knives and kitchen tools can make prep work quicker and more efficient.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and save time on guesswork.
Batch cooking: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing the extra portions for future quick and easy meals.
Substitute Ingredients For One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Italian salad dressing - Substitute with homemade Italian dressing: You can make your own Italian dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian herbs. This allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference.
Balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar and a touch of sugar: Red wine vinegar can provide a similar tangy flavor, and adding a small amount of sugar can mimic the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to honey, complementing the dish's savory elements.
Red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a mild heat and a touch of smokiness, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Chicken breast tenderloins - Substitute with turkey breast tenderloins: Turkey breast tenderloins can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken, offering a similar texture and taste.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
Asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be used as a substitute for asparagus, providing a similar crisp texture and fresh flavor.
Matchstick carrots - Substitute with sliced bell peppers: Sliced bell peppers can add a pop of color and crunch, similar to matchstick carrots, while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Grape tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for grape tomatoes, providing a similar sweet and juicy burst of flavor in the dish.
Presenting Your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement. Ensure that the chicken and veggies are positioned thoughtfully on the plate, using the vibrant colors of the vegetables to create a visually striking presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use the balsamic dressing to create artistic drizzles on the plate. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Utilize contrasting textures: Consider incorporating a crunchy element, such as toasted almonds or sesame seeds, to provide a delightful textural contrast to the dish.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, focusing on creating a sense of balance and symmetry on the plate. This attention to detail will impress the judges and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and marinating meats.
- Skillet: A skillet is used for cooking the chicken and vegetables, providing a wide, flat cooking surface.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and handling the chicken tenderloins while cooking.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for chopping the asparagus and preparing the vegetables.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is used for cutting and chopping the vegetables and chicken tenderloins.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the balsamic chicken and veggies recipe.
- Serving platter: A serving platter is used for presenting the cooked chicken and vegetables before serving.
Storing and Freezing Your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Let the one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator:
- Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- For freezing:
- Divide the cooled chicken and vegetables into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Tip: If you plan to freeze the dish, slightly undercook the vegetables to maintain their texture after reheating.
- Note: The quality of the vegetables may deteriorate slightly after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be safe to consume and maintain its delicious flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
To reheat leftover one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the dish is heated through without drying out the chicken or overcooking the vegetables.
Transfer the leftover chicken and vegetables to an oven-safe dish. If there's any remaining sauce, pour it over the top to help keep the ingredients moist during reheating.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken and vegetables from drying out and to promote even heating. The foil will also help to lock in the flavors and prevent any excess moisture from escaping.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through. The exact reheating time may vary depending on the quantity of leftovers and the depth of your dish.
If you prefer a slightly crispy texture on your reheated vegetables, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow any excess moisture to evaporate and help the vegetables regain some of their original texture.
Once the one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies are heated through, carefully remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as the contents will be hot.
If you find that the reheated dish is a bit dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the ingredients. Alternatively, you can drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar or olive oil over the top to add some freshness and flavor.
For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until the chicken and vegetables are warmed through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
Interesting Fact About One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
The recipe uses balsamic vinegar to add a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.
Is Making Balsamic Chicken and Veggies at Home Cost-Effective?
This one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a cost-effective option for households. The combination of chicken, asparagus, carrots, and grape tomatoes offers a balanced and nutritious meal. The use of simple ingredients like olive oil and balsamic vinegar keeps the cost reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Dish Healthy?
The one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:
- Chicken breast tenderloins provide lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair
- Asparagus, carrots, and tomatoes offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall health and digestion
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health
- Balsamic vinegar and honey add flavor without relying heavily on salt or unhealthy additives
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content
- Use a low-sodium Italian salad dressing to minimize the dish's salt content
- Increase the variety of vegetables to provide a wider range of nutrients
- Opt for whole grain pasta or quinoa as a side dish to increase fiber intake
To make this recipe even more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:
- Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to increase the dish's antioxidant content
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor and potential health benefits
- Use a small amount of high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar for more intense flavor without increasing the quantity
- Serve the dish with a side salad or roasted sweet potatoes for additional fiber and nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Recipe
This one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and zesty Italian dressing create a harmonious marinade for the tender chicken. The vibrant asparagus, carrots, and juicy grape tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The method of cooking everything in one pan allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It's a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy the delicious medley of flavors and the ease of preparation with this delightful recipe.
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Why trust this One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal for any occasion. The Italian salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, and honey create a harmonious blend, infusing the chicken and veggies with rich, savory notes. The addition of red pepper flakes provides a subtle kick, enhancing the overall taste experience. With the use of fresh asparagus, matchstick carrots, and grape tomatoes, this recipe promises a vibrant and nutritious dish. The careful instructions and attention to detail make this one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies recipe a trustworthy and delectable choice.
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