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Easy Tangy Balsamic Chicken Bowl Recipe Perfect for Quick Healthy Dinners

tangy balsamic chicken bowl - featured image

A quick and flavorful balsamic chicken bowl recipe that combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with fresh veggies and a wholesome grain base. Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or casual lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (400 g cooked) brown rice or quinoa
  • 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) feta cheese or goat cheese crumbles (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, a handful chopped
  • 2 tbsp (15 g) toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • Extra balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Place the chicken in the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, ideally 30 minutes.
  3. Cook brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions; fluff and keep warm.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add marinated chicken (discard excess marinade) and sear each side for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (75Β°C) and chicken is caramelized.
  5. While chicken cooks, prepare veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and wash greens.
  6. Assemble bowls by dividing rice or quinoa into 4 bowls, topping with greens, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cheese crumbles, fresh herbs, and toasted nuts.
  7. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes to avoid vinegar ‘cooking’ the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165Β°F (75Β°C). Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes before slicing. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning. Optionally add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or extra balsamic glaze for more flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, chicken bowl, healthy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal, balsamic vinegar, chicken marinade, easy chicken recipe