If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug but is surprisingly easy to whip up, you have to try this One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Recipe. Bright cherry tomatoes and tender asparagus roast alongside juicy, golden chicken breasts all glazed with a luscious balsamic and honey sauce. Every bite bursts with tangy sweetness, balanced by subtle garlic undertones and finished with fresh basil. It’s an effortless dish that looks fancy, tastes fantastic, and comes together in just one pan, making cleanup just as wonderful as the meal itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the fresh, vibrant ingredients that work in harmony. Each element plays a key role: the chicken provides juicy protein, the cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color, the asparagus offers a crisp texture, and the balsamic vinegar with honey creates that irresistibly sticky glaze.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, perfect for quick cooking and soaking up flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly and lightly cooks the vegetables.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Provide juiciness and a bright color contrast.
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds fresh earthiness and a satisfying snap.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar: The tangy-sweet backbone that elevates every bite.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds just the right amount of sweet balance to the vinegar’s acidity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a warm, aromatic kick that complements the veggies and chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish): A fresh herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment to roast the chicken and veggies to perfection. Then, season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This step locks in the juices and forms a beautiful base flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus
Remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily. Using the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and asparagus pieces, sautéing them gently for 2-3 minutes. This quick sauté softens the veggies slightly while keeping their shape and freshness intact.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. This silky sauce brings the dish’s signature tangy-sweet flavor and a subtle garlicky note that will coat everything beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Roast
Pour the balsamic mixture over the vegetables in the skillet, stirring just to combine. Nestle the seared chicken breasts right back in amongst the veggies. This layering allows the chicken to absorb those lush flavors as it finishes cooking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Aim for an internal chicken temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked breasts. This final roasting lets the tomatoes burst slightly, the asparagus roast tender-crisp, and the sauce reduce wonderfully.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
When your chicken is done, remove the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting ensures juicy chicken when sliced. For a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness, sprinkle chopped basil over the top just before serving.
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a fantastic garnish here, imparting a subtle hint of brightness that complements the balsamic glaze perfectly. You might also add freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all those wonderful pan juices. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to add a peppery crunch and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken and vegetables family-style right in the skillet so guests can help themselves to that gorgeous balsamic sauce. Another idea is to slice the chicken breasts and arrange them over the roasted veggies on individual plates, drizzling leftover pan sauce artistically around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, you can freeze it. Just be sure to cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel works well for a fast lunch or dinner.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Absolutely! Green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers would also be fantastic in this One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on their tenderness.
Is it important to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices, making a big difference in texture and taste. Skip this step and the dish might end up less tender and less visually appealing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it fits well with dairy-free diets without any modifications.
What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?
No worries! You can omit it or use dried basil sprinkled on top, although fresh basil adds the best aroma and visual appeal.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep things vegetarian, replace chicken with firm tofu or a hearty vegetable like cauliflower steaks. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, full of vibrant flavors, and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or impressing guests on the weekend, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan balsamic chicken recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked with sautéed cherry tomatoes and asparagus, all coated in a tangy honey balsamic glaze. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
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 ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and nicely caramelized, which locks in juices.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside temporarily to prepare the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and asparagus pieces to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly and incorporate the flavors left behind by the chicken.
- Make Balsamic Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined for a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Add Sauce to Vegetables: Pour the balsamic mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet among the vegetables and sauce, allowing the flavors to meld during baking.
- Bake: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moistness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish for a fragrant, fresh finishing touch and serve warm.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet is important to move seamlessly from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- For thicker chicken breasts, increase baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a fresh herbaceous note that complements the balsamic glaze beautifully.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
