One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus is a simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with roasted asparagus in a tangy balsamic glaze. The balsamic vinegar, mixed with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of honey, creates a deliciously sweet and savory sauce that coats both the chicken and the asparagus as they cook together in one pan. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
I first made One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus when I wanted a quick, healthy dinner that didn’t require much effort, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The chicken turned out perfectly juicy, and the asparagus was roasted to tender perfection, all while soaking up the flavors of the balsamic glaze. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels so flavorful and satisfying.
What’s great about One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus is how versatile it is. You can add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pan for a more hearty meal, or switch up the seasoning to fit your taste. It’s also a great option for meal prepping or for serving guests, as it looks impressive but requires so little effort. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping
- Healthy meals
- Balsamic vinegar lovers
- Easy clean-up dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus will be your go-to weeknight meal:
- Simple and Quick: A delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Flavorful Balsamic Glaze: The balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
- Versatile Ingredients: Can easily be adapted with different vegetables or seasonings.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The chicken comes out juicy and tender every time, with a beautiful caramelized finish.
- One-Pan Wonder: No need to dirty multiple pots and pans for this meal—just one pan!
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep ingredients in advance for an even faster dinner later.
- Low-Carb Delight: A great low-carb option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids will love the savory and slightly sweet flavors of this dish.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
The Asparagus:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Asparagus: A low-calorie vegetable that adds crunch and flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps thicken and emulsify the glaze while adding depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme on both sides.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Asparagus:
- Prepare Asparagus: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the trimmed asparagus and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Finish Glaze: Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Dish:
- Combine Chicken and Asparagus: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the asparagus. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and asparagus, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus:
- With Roasted Potatoes: Serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
- On a Bed of Rice: Serve over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful balsamic glaze.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a light side salad for a fresh, balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a comforting, complete meal.
- With Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that complements the chicken and asparagus.
- As a Wrap: Slice the chicken and asparagus and wrap it in a tortilla for a delicious lunch or dinner.
- On a Plate with Grilled Vegetables: Serve with other grilled vegetables for a full, flavorful dinner.
- With Quinoa: Pair with quinoa for a protein-packed side dish.
- With Steamed Broccoli: A great addition to this meal for extra greens.
- For Meal Prep: Divide the chicken, asparagus, and glaze into meal prep containers for easy, ready-to-go lunches.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and asparagus in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the ideal internal temperature.
- Make the Glaze Ahead: Prepare the balsamic glaze in advance to save time when cooking.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the asparagus for other vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
- Avoid Overcooking the Asparagus: Asparagus cooks quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it to maintain its tender-crisp texture.
Recipe Variations
- Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted carrots, bell peppers, and onions for a more diverse vegetable medley.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace the balsamic glaze with a honey mustard sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Chicken and Asparagus: Add lemon juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
- Spicy Balsamic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for some heat.
- Herb-Infused Glaze: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to the balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Grilled Chicken and Asparagus: Grill the chicken and asparagus instead of pan-cooking for a smoky charred flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze with Garlic: Add minced garlic to the glaze for an extra burst of savory flavor.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and asparagus in one pan.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Small Saucepan: For making the balsamic glaze.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken and stirring the asparagus without damaging the vegetables.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For trimming the asparagus and chopping parsley.
FAQ Section
- Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. - Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is preferred, but if using frozen, cook it for a shorter time to avoid overcooking. - How long does the balsamic glaze keep?
The glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased portions. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I use other vinegars for the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. - Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely savory finish. - Can I make this in advance?
You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance, but it’s best to cook everything fresh when ready to serve. - What should I serve with this dish?
Serve with your favorite side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Conclusion
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with roasted asparagus, all cooked in a single pan. The chicken is marinated in a rich balsamic glaze that gives it a sweet and tangy flavor, which infuses the asparagus as everything roasts together. This one-pan wonder is not only easy to make but also perfect for busy weeknights or a simple dinner that feels special.
The balsamic marinade helps keep the chicken juicy while adding a delicious depth of flavor, while the asparagus roasts up tender with crispy edges. You can add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to make it even more colorful and hearty, or sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
I can’t wait to see how your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!