Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan balsamic chicken recipe featuring juicy seared chicken breasts baked with vibrant cherry tomatoes and tender asparagus, all coated in a tangy balsamic glaze with a hint of honey. Perfect for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large oven-safe skillet on the stovetop and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Remove Chicken: Take the seared chicken breasts out of the skillet and set them aside temporarily.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and asparagus pieces, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they just start to soften.
- Prepare Balsamic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic to create a flavorful glaze.
- Add Sauce: Pour the balsamic mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet and stir gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet among the vegetables and sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe to avoid transferring the chicken and vegetables to another dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the balsamic mixture separately until reduced before adding to vegetables.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a more tender option.
- Fresh basil garnish is optional but adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Internal temperature of chicken should always reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
