Looking for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal to add to your weeknight dinner rotation? This Pan-Seared Balsamic Chicken Tenderloin with Asparagus & Mushrooms is the perfect answer. With tender chicken, crisp asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This meal is all about balance: it’s hearty yet light, rich yet fresh. The balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness and tang that pairs beautifully with the savoriness of the chicken and the earthy mushrooms, while the asparagus provides a fresh crunch that brightens every bite. Best of all, it requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You likely have many of these ingredients already on hand, which makes this dish even more appealing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky base and helps with searing.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Perfectly tender and cooks quickly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The star ingredient, giving a rich, tangy depth.
- Asparagus: Fresh, crisp, and full of nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Adds earthiness and texture.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic depth.
- Butter: A little bit goes a long way in creating a luscious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still crave something homemade. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Sear the Chicken: Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet. Season your chicken tenderloins with salt and black pepper, and then sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set them aside.
- Cook the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and reduce the heat. Toss in the asparagus pieces, letting them sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the Mushrooms: Now, add the sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Let them cook until they’re tender and lightly golden. This adds a satisfying, hearty component to the dish.
- Garlic & Butter: Push the asparagus and mushrooms to the side of the pan and add a little butter and garlic. This step only takes about 30 seconds, but it brings incredible aroma and flavor.
- Finish with Balsamic Vinegar: Return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle balsamic vinegar over everything. Give it all a good toss and let the flavors meld together for one last minute.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Switch Up the Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top can add an herbal note that pairs well with the balsamic.
- Make it a Meal: Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes to make it a more filling meal.
Why Balsamic Chicken is a Weeknight Hero
This recipe doesn’t just taste good; it’s also packed with nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein from the chicken. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet doesn’t weigh you down. Plus, with only one pan to clean, it’s the ultimate weeknight hero!
Ready to Enjoy?
The Pan-Seared Balsamic Chicken Tenderloin with Asparagus & Mushrooms is a perfect example of how a few fresh ingredients and simple steps can come together to create something truly delicious. Give it a try for your next dinner, and you might find it becoming a regular in your kitchen!
PrintPan-Seared Balsamic Chicken Tenderloin with Asparagus & Mushrooms
Description
Indulge in this delightful dish where tender chicken tenderloins are beautifully seared with a tangy balsamic glaze, paired with fresh asparagus and earthy mushrooms. It’s a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 8 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and black pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Add asparagus pieces, sautéing for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Toss the sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt and add them to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms are tender and golden. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan.
4. Add butter and minced garlic to the center of the skillet. Cook for around 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix into the vegetables.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and toss everything to combine. Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot.