One pan balsamic chicken dish garnished with herbs and served with vegetables.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a wonderful dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. It combines juicy chicken breasts with sweet balsamic sauce, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese all in one skillet. This makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze! Plus, it’s delicious and healthy, packed with fresh ingredients that will please the whole family.

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 with salt and pepper to taste. Set this sauce aside.
  2. In another bowl, toss together the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside as well.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  4. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  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 or until lightly golden brown.
  6. Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken. It should quickly start to simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and top the chicken with the tomato mozzarella mixture.
  8. Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165F. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken hot from the oven. It pairs well with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce. Don’t forget to spoon some of the juicy tomatoes and melted mozzarella over the top for extra flavor!

how to store One Pan Balsamic Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the chicken is heated all the way through before serving.

tips to make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

  • Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the basil.
  • Try marinating the chicken in the balsamic sauce for a few hours before cooking for extra depth of flavor.

variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by adding other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to give it a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.

What can I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
This dish goes great with rice, quinoa, pasta, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and the tomato mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to cook.