One-Pan Tuscan Balsamic Chicken: Your New Favorite Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Tuscan Balsamic Chicken
Julia Pacheco
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: One-Pan Tuscan Balsamic Chicken! This incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful dish brings the vibrant tastes of Tuscany right to your kitchen table with minimal effort. Imagine succulent chicken tenderloins perfectly seasoned, mingling with crisp-tender green beans and juicy cherry tomatoes, all coated in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze with hints of dried basil and savory garlic.
This recipe isn’t just easy – it’s a culinary experience! It’s savory, tangy, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will delight your palate. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the use of fresh ingredients that cook together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this Tuscan Balsamic Chicken is guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and utterly delicious option for busy evenings or whenever you crave a taste of Italy.
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
4 servings
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One of the best parts about this Tuscan Balsamic Chicken is how few ingredients it requires, all easily found at your local grocery store. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that make this dish truly special. Below is a list of fresh, high-quality ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch thick strips)
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended for flavor)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (high-quality balsamic will make a difference)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved or left whole, depending on size)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (freshly ground black pepper for best flavor)
- 1 tbs minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves, finely minced)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated for topping, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking once your ingredients are ready. While the oven preheats, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare Ingredients. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large Ziploc bag (or a spacious mixing bowl), combine the trimmed and cut green beans, chicken tenderloins, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cherry tomatoes, dried basil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and shake it vigorously to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the delicious balsamic and herb mixture. This step is crucial for infusing every piece with flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake. Pour the entire mixture from the bag or bowl onto the prepared sheet pan, spreading the chicken and vegetables into a single layer. Try to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this helps everything roast evenly and develop a beautiful caramelized crust. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The green beans should have a slight bite, and the cherry tomatoes should be burst and juicy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once baked to perfection, remove the sheet pan from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to retain its juiciness. Enjoy this wonderfully easy and flavorful Tuscan Balsamic Chicken immediately!
Tips for the Best Tuscan Balsamic Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality flavor with this simple recipe is easy if you follow a few key tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For perfectly roasted vegetables and golden-brown chicken, ensure your ingredients are spread in a single layer on the sheet pan. If your pan is too small, use two to avoid steaming the ingredients instead of roasting them.
- Quality Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar makes a noticeable difference. It contributes to the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet glaze that is the heart of this dish.
- Chicken Cut: While tenderloins are specified, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. If using breasts, cut them into uniform 1-inch thick pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate as the vegetables.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried basil works well, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end can brighten the flavors even more.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken can be dry, so keeping an eye on it is important.
Variations to Try
This Tuscan Balsamic Chicken is highly adaptable. Feel free to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), zucchini, sliced red onion, or even mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Add them along with the green beans and cherry tomatoes.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Olives or Capers: For an even more Mediterranean touch, toss in some Kalamata olives or capers during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes provide a fresh burst, a handful of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) can intensify the “Tuscan” flavor profile even further.
- Different Cheeses: Instead of Parmesan, try a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese after baking for a creamy, tangy finish.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pan meal is wonderfully complete on its own, offering protein and vegetables. However, if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are a few ideas:
- Grains: Serve it over fluffy quinoa, couscous, or a bed of brown rice to soak up all the delicious balsamic juices.
- Pasta: Toss with a light pasta like orzo or angel hair for a heartier meal.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
This Tuscan Balsamic Chicken makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prep!
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out the chicken. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture of the vegetables might be slightly softer.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Balsamic Chicken
There are countless reasons to adore this Tuscan Balsamic Chicken. First and foremost, it’s a **one-pan wonder**, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s incredibly **quick to prepare**, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and healthy meal on the table fast. The combination of savory chicken, fresh vibrant vegetables, and the rich balsamic glaze creates a **balanced and incredibly satisfying dish**. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite seasonal produce. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy dinner, a simple meal prep option, or just a burst of Italian-inspired taste, this recipe delivers every time.
Final Thoughts on This Delightful Recipe
The One-Pan Tuscan Balsamic Chicken truly embodies the essence of simple, wholesome, and delicious cooking. It’s a testament to how easily you can create a meal that feels gourmet with straightforward ingredients and minimal fuss. The tender chicken, the snap of the green beans, the burst of the cherry tomatoes, and the sweet-tangy balsamic glaze unite in perfect harmony. This recipe isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about bringing joy and satisfaction to your dinner table. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a treasured recipe in your culinary repertoire!