Dive into a world of flavor with our Savory Balsamic Chicken Veggie Feast, a one-skillet wonder that promises to deliver not just on taste but on convenience too. Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but compromising on a wholesome meal is not an option. This dish marries the rich and tangy flavors of balsamic vinegar with the succulent textures of chicken, all while ensuring your plate is brimming with a colorful array of vegetables. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to impress with its simplicity and the depth of flavor it brings to the table.
Not only is the Savory Balsamic Chicken Veggie Feast a testament to the magic that can happen in just one pan, but it also stands as a beacon of healthy eating. With ingredients that speak volumes about nutrition—lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil and balsamic vinegar—this dish is a guilt-free pleasure that doesn't skimp on taste. It's a culinary journey that takes less than 30 minutes from pan to plate, making it the perfect choice for a quick dinner fix that feels like a feast. So, let's get cooking and transform your dinner routine with a dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (or a mixture of both)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cook The Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Chicken and Veggies with Balsamic Glaze: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle the dried thyme or rosemary (or both) over the top. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the vinegar reduces slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables in a rich, tangy glaze.
Hint: To intensify the flavor and achieve a more pronounced balsamic glaze, consider reducing the balsamic vinegar separately in a small saucepan before adding it to the chicken and vegetables. Start by simmering the vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by half, which will thicken it and concentrate its flavors. This process can take about 5-10 minutes. Once reduced, drizzle the thickened balsamic glaze over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the skillet. This method not only enhances the tangy-sweet essence of the balsamic but also adds a gourmet touch to your dish, making it even more delightful and visually appealing with a glossy finish.
Variations
Creamy - Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the balsamic glaze before pouring it over the chicken and vegetables. This addition transforms the dish into a luxuriously creamy feast, mellowing the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and adding a rich texture that beautifully coats the ingredients. Perfect for those who love a smooth, decadent sauce with their meals.
Mediterranean - Incorporate a mix of olives and feta cheese into the skillet just before serving. This variation brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to the dish, with the salty, briny notes of the olives and the creamy tang of feta cheese complementing the balsamic glaze. It's a simple twist that elevates the dish with new textures and flavors, ideal for a refreshing change of pace.
Equipment
- Large Skillet (one like this): Ideal for sautéing and combining all ingredients.
- Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For prepping vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure seasoning and vinegar.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and ensuring even cooking.
- Small Saucepan (Optional): For reducing balsamic vinegar for a thicker glaze.
Top tip
For the best texture and flavor, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. Cutting into the chicken too soon can cause those precious juices to run out, leading to a drier texture.
FAQ
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content and thickness. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Press and marinate your choice of protein in a mix of balsamic vinegar and spices before cooking to infuse it with flavor.
Savory Balsamic Chicken Veggie Feast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary or a mix of both
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ red onion sliced
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on each side, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour balsamic vinegar over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with thyme or rosemary. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the vinegar reduces slightly and coats the ingredients.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Variations: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the herbs. To make this dish creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the balsamic glaze before adding it to the skillet.
- Top Tip: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.
- FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Vegetarian option? Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same steps.
- Serving suggestions? Serve with quinoa, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.
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