Name: One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed); 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 4 pieces thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound, seasoned with salt and pepper); about 2 cups broccoli florets; about 1 ½ cups sugar snap peas (peapods may be substituted); 2 to 4 tablespoons water (optional and if necessary)

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Growing up, one of my favorite weeknight dinners was always a hearty one-skillet meal. There’s something incredibly comforting about the ease and simplicity of a dish that delivers deliciousness without the fuss. That’s why I love making One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables. It’s not just about getting dinner on the table; it’s about the vibrant flavors and the way they come together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Picture this: the aroma of tender chicken sizzling in a skillet, paired with vibrant veggies that keep their crunch even after cooking. I remember the first time I decided to try making this dish after a long day at work. I needed something quick yet satisfying. The moment I took that first bite, I knew I had hit the jackpot. The balsamic glaze not only adds depth but also coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an occasion where you want to impress your friends, One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables fits the bill. It’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it perfect for those spontaneous weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your meal without anyone even noticing! This dish is about bringing people together around the table, sharing moments, and enjoying food that warms the soul.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
15 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Whole30, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
16 g

Tools Used:
Medium Bowl, Large Skillet

Why This One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables Works

Easy Clean-Up

One of the best aspects of One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables is how easy it is to clean up. With everything cooked in one pan, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal with family or friends.

Flavorful Ingredients

The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and other ingredients creates a rich, tangy sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an exciting dish to serve.

Healthy and Nutritious

This recipe is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables such as broccoli and sugar snap peas, which elevate the health quotient of your meal. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate fresh produce into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Quick Cooking Time

With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cooking time of around 10 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a lifesaver on those evenings when you need a quick and tasty meal.

Customizable

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have available or what’s in season. This versatility means you can enjoy One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables any time of the year.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is fantastic for meal prepping! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, keeping your lunches and dinners both delicious and convenient.

Ingredients for One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

When it comes to the ingredients for One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables, each one plays a vital role in creating a harmonious dish. The key players in this recipe are the chicken and the fresh vegetables, which soak up the delectable balsamic sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar: This tangy liquid is the star of the dish, bringing a rich flavor that enhances the chicken and veggies.
2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
1 tablespoon light brown sugar: This helps deepen the flavors and gives a slight caramelization during cooking.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding a healthy fat to the dish.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a lovely consistency.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors.
½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild kick to the overall flavor profile.
4 thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein in this dish that absorbs all the delicious sauce, keeping it juicy and tender.
about 2 cups broccoli florets: These add color, crunch, and essential vitamins.
about 1 ½ cups sugar snap peas: They provide sweetness and a satisfying snap, enhancing the texture of the dish.
2 to 4 tablespoons water (optional): This is used to help steam the veggies based on the moisture released by the chicken.

Instructions for One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Cooking One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables is as easy as it gets! You’ll love how quickly everything comes together. Trust me; you’ll want to make this more than once!

Begin by preparing the sauce. To a medium bowl or large measuring cup, add balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, then set the sauce aside. This blend of flavors will create a delicious coating for your chicken and veggies.
Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes or until it’s around 75% cooked through. It’s important to flip the chicken halfway to ensure it cooks evenly. You’ll see the edges turning golden brown, which is a great sign!
Once the chicken has cooked sufficiently, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. You’ll notice it bubbling up immediately, creating a wonderful aroma. This bubbling is a good indicator that the sauce is coming to life!
Now, it’s time to add the vegetables. Sprinkle the broccoli florets and sugar snap peas evenly over the skillet, with some resting on top of the chicken. If you feel like it’s too thick, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water to help the vegetables steam. The amount of water will depend on how much moisture the chicken has released.
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the veggies to steam for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to become crisp-tender while the chicken finishes cooking. You’ll notice the vibrant colors of the vegetables intensifying, which is always a good sign!
After steaming, gently stir everything to evenly coat the vegetables with sauce. This step not only helps to distribute the flavors but also makes it look beautiful! You should see a nice glaze covering everything.
Finally, taste the sauce and check for the seasoning balance. You might want to adjust it by adding a touch more salt, pepper, or even a dash more honey or balsamic vinegar. This final touch is what personalizes the dish to your taste!

Things Worth Knowing

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: This helps with even cooking and ensures that the chicken gets a nice sear.
Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy.
Experiment with veggies: You can easily swap in different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Helpful Notes about One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Here are some tips to enhance your experience with One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, these notes will help!

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Serving suggestions: Pair this meal with rice, quinoa, or a light salad to complement the flavors.
Flavor variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices to change up the flavor profile; try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat!
Presentation: Serve the dish in a large bowl, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of color.

How to Enjoy One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Serving One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables is a breeze, thanks to its vibrant colors and appetizing aroma. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal experience:

Pairing with grains: Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Seasonal sides: Complement the dish with a light salad or roasted potatoes for added texture and taste.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep throughout the week.
Storage tips: Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within a few days for the best flavor.
Serving temperature: This recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different settings.
Garnishing: Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.

FAQ

Absolutely! One of the wonderful things about One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables is its versatility. You can easily substitute in vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For example, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus would all work beautifully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the veggies are cooked to your liking.

The best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, you can also check that the juices run clear when you cut into it. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center.

Yes, One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and keep them separate in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just toss everything together in the skillet when you’re ready to eat, and it’ll come together in no time.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa, or alongside a fresh salad. Roasted potatoes or crusty bread also make great accompaniments that will soak up the delicious balsamic sauce!

Conclusion

One Skillet Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables is truly a delightful dish that combines convenience with fantastic flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this meal is sure to impress. I encourage you to give it a try, as it’s not just about the food, but the memories created around the table. Enjoy the warmth, laughter, and deliciousness that comes with every bite!