Busy moms need quick and delicious meals that make everyone happy at the dinner table. One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus delivers just that. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe helps streamline your weeknight routine. You can savor time with your family while serving a homemade, comforting dish.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for family-friendly cooking. First, it only requires one pan, which means less mess to clean up afterward. It cooks quickly in about 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings. The flavors are rich and inviting thanks to the balsamic glaze, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it includes vegetables, so you can feel good about serving a balanced meal.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the balsamic glaze, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade and let them sit for 15-30 minutes.
- In a large oven-safe pan, arrange the marinated chicken thighs.
- Trim the asparagus and place it around the chicken in the pan.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the asparagus.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan meal!
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
A quick and delicious one-pan meal that combines balsamic chicken and asparagus, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the balsamic glaze, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade and let them sit for 15-30 minutes.
- In a large oven-safe pan, arrange the marinated chicken thighs.
- Trim the asparagus and place it around the chicken in the pan.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the asparagus.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan meal!
Notes
For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to Serve
Pair One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus with simple sides like rice or quinoa to absorb the juicy flavors. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread for a comforting touch. A light salad can also be a refreshing addition to round out your meal.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and asparagus in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you are in a hurry, just cover the dish to keep the moisture in.
Tips and Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
- If your family prefers chicken breasts, you can easily substitute them in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time since breasts may take a few more minutes.
- Mix in other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can replace chicken with pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What should I do if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup. This will mimic the sweetness and acidity of the glaze.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day prior and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus is a wonderful choice for busy nights. It provides a healthy, tasty meal with minimal cleanup. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and save it for your go-to weeknight dinners. Your family will thank you for it!
