One Pan Balsamic Chicken dish with vegetables and herbs on a white plate

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a fantastic meal that combines juicy chicken, sweet balsamic vinegar, and fresh ingredients. It’s not only delicious but also super easy to make. With just one pan to clean, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The combination of flavors is sure to impress everyone at the table.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 Tbsp. oil, such as avocado or olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
  • 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  2. In another bowl, toss the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

  4. Heat 2 Tbsp. of oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper.

  5. When the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the chicken is lightly golden brown.

  6. Add the balsamic sauce mixture to the pan. It should quickly start to simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

  7. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and add the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the chicken.

  8. Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165F.

  9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. The colorful tomatoes and mozzarella make it visually appealing, while the balsamic glaze adds a rich flavor.

How to Store One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

  • Pound the chicken to even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.
  • Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less honey.
  • Fresh basil adds a lovely flavor, but dried basil works in a pinch.
  • If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the balsamic mixture.

Variation

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pan before baking. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.

  2. What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
    Try using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute, but the flavor will differ slightly.

  3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive individuals.