Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Asparagus Recipe
This grilled balsamic chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. Combining perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with crisp asparagus and cherry tomatoes creates a flavorful dish everyone will love. And it’s all cooked in just one pot which makes for easy cleanup!
Total Servings: 6
Total Cost for All Ingredients: $46.43
Cost Per Serving: $7.74
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Costs*
2 lb chicken tenderloins ($10.61)
1 lb asparagus ($2.98)
8 oz cherry tomatoes ($5.98)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar ($3.84)
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ($6.72)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard ($3.24)
1 tbsp honey ($4.22)
1 tsp minced garlic ($2.16)
A pinch of red pepper flakes ($1.44)
1 tsp kosher salt ($2.12)
1 tsp pepper ($3.12)
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*Food costs may vary and can change over time. The prices listed were the current prices of these ingredients when this recipe was made for this post. Almost all our ingredients are purchased from Walmart as we live in a small town without any other options. If you notice a significant price difference, please let us know at hello@freshgains.com we can update this post.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
Start with Quality Ingredients: It all starts with high quality chicken breasts and asparagus. Using organic, free-range chicken and vibrant, firm asparagus stalks is ideal for this recipe.
Add a Deeper Flavor: If you have extra time, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a balsamic marinade. Aim to marinade the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours prior to cooking. This extra marinade period will allow the chicken to absorb even more of the tangy and sweet notes of the balsamic vinegar and spices.
Uniform Slicing: Trim the asparagus to similar lengths to ensure even cooking for all. Asparagus cut to different sizes will cause some to be overcooked and some to be undercooked.
Preheat Your Pan: Before you begin cooking, allow time for your pan to properly preheat. Preheating the pan will give the chicken a nice sear which will help to lock in the flavor.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: While I opted to cook this recipe in a jumbo cooker, you could also use a cast iron skillet without changing the recipe. The cast iron skillet will give the chicken a nice sear and help to evenly cook the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Balsamic Chicken
Can I use another type of chicken?
Yes, chicken breast or chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken tenderloins in this recipe. However, chicken breasts will take longer to cook and chicken thighs will take less time to cook. So, you will need to keep an eye on the doneness and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
I find that asparagus pairs perfectly with balsamic chicken. But you can substitute any vegetable for the asparagus in this recipe. Green beans, broccoli or bell peppers would make great choices. You could also slice the chicken and serve it over rice or noodles. However, keep in mind that replacing the asparagus with a different vegetable may require more or less time to fully cook.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can get a head start on making this meal by preparing it ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken by marinating it up to 24 hours before cooking. You could also chop the asparagus ahead of time. Just be sure to seal the prepped ingredients in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to eat, simply remove the ingredients from the refrigerator and follow the recipe directions.
How long will leftovers stay good?
Grilled balsamic chicken will stay good for up to two days when stored properly in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator.
How can I make the dish more flavorful?
If you’re looking to add more seasoning to this dish, consider adding garlic, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor. You could also splash the dish with lemon juice towards the end of cooking.
What side dishes go well with this dish?
Balsamic chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, quinoa and fresh salads. You can’t go wrong with any of these options!
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
You can use bone-in chicken for this balsamic chicken recipe. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless chicken so the recipe will need to be adjusted accordingly. To tell if you’re chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Asparagus Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Jumbo Cooker
Ingredients
- 2.12 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 lb asparagus
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make vinaigrette by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil, honey, mustard, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set to the side.
- Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add chicken, then season with salt and pepper as desired. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side with the lid on, until it begins to turn golden. Remove from pan and set aside. Reduce height to medium.
- While the chicken is cooking, cut asparagus into 2-3 inch pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Add asparagus and cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Move asparagus and cherry tomatoes to one half of the pan and then return the chicken to the other half. Pour in the vinaigrette and cook for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove and serve or place in 3.4 cup meal prep containers.
