Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar – Adds that tangy, robust flavor that sets this dish apart.; 2 tablespoons honey – Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of natural sweetness.; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil) – A neutral oil that helps sear the chicken and distribute flavors evenly.; 2 garlic cloves, minced – Freshly minced garlic gives a sharp, aromatic kick.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings a blend of herbs for depth.; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds creaminess and enhances the sauce’s complexity.; 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy, they blister beautifully when cooked.; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls) – Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture. If you have ciliegine, halving them works best.; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped – This fragrant herb adds the final touch of brightness and freshness.; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness – Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral oil); Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor – that’s how I’d describe this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe! I’ve made it multiple times, and every single time, it’s an absolute hit. The combination of a tangy balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and herbs creates a dinner that’s hearty yet elegant.

Plus, the fact that it only dirties one pan makes cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or even a low-stress dinner party. Let’s get started!

Credit: littlebroken

Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish shine. Pro tips included!

For the Sauce

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar – Adds that tangy, robust flavor that sets this dish apart.
2 tablespoons honey – Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of natural sweetness.
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil) – A neutral oil that helps sear the chicken and distribute flavors evenly.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Freshly minced garlic gives a sharp, aromatic kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings a blend of herbs for depth.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds creaminess and enhances the sauce’s complexity.

For the Topping

8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy, they blister beautifully when cooked.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls) – Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture. If you have ciliegine, halving them works best.
2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped – This fragrant herb adds the final touch of brightness and freshness.

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness – Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings. Adjust the ingredients proportionally if you’re cooking for more.

Variations

This recipe is flexible, so here are a few ways you can adapt it to suit dietary preferences or your pantry supplies:

Dairy-Free: Swap out the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
Low-Sugar: Use stevia or omit the honey; balsamic vinegar is naturally sweet enough for some people.
Extra Veggies: Add sliced zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms to the pan for a heartier meal.
Herb Alternatives: If basil isn’t available, parsley or even cilantro can add a fresh twist.

For a different flavor profile, you might also enjoy the bold and smoky taste of pollo asado.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you’ll need for this dish, including prep and cooking time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to cook this dish seamlessly:

Large oven-safe skillet – For searing the chicken and finishing it in the oven.
Mixing bowls – To whisk the balsamic sauce and toss the toppings.
Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce and scraping up flavorful bits from the skillet.
Meat mallet or rolling pin – For pounding chicken breasts to even thickness.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

This dish is straightforward, with just a few simple steps to bring it to life.

Prepare the Balsamic Sauce

To start, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and set the sauce aside. This mixture will turn into a luscious, tangy glaze when cooked.

Toss the Toppings

Next, in another bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Lightly season with salt and pepper. This mixture will top the chicken for a fresh, cheesy finish.

Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden, then pour in the prepared balsamic sauce. Stir gently and bring it to a simmer.

Assemble and Bake

Remove the skillet from the heat and top the chicken evenly with the prepared tomato and mozzarella mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes. The chicken is ready when an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Credit: thewoodenskillet

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After experimenting with this dish, I’ve found a few ways to make it even better:

Pound the chicken evenly so all pieces cook at the same time. Uneven breasts may result in some parts drying out.
Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that affect texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect internal temperature.
Deglaze with balsamic sauce. When you pour in the sauce, scrape up the browned bits from the skillet. This technique ensures maximum flavor.
Serve immediately for the best experience. The cheese and tomatoes are tastiest when hot.

If you’re a fan of pairing chicken with veggies, you might love the combination of chicken and broccoli for another wholesome meal idea.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

Presentation is key! Arrange each chicken breast on a plate and spoon some of the balsamic-tomato sauce over it. This dish pairs beautifully with:

Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash to soak up the sauce
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts
Rice, quinoa, or pasta for a hearty option
A fresh side salad to balance the richness

Garnishing with a fresh basil leaf adds a pop of color and complements the flavor.

Nutritional Information

This dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Here’s what you’ll get per serving (approximately 6 oz chicken with sauce):

Calories: 380
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 17g

Make Ahead and Storage

You can streamline meal prep by preparing parts of the recipe in advance:

Make Ahead: Whisk the balsamic sauce and prep the tomato-mozzarella mixture ahead of time. Store both separately in the fridge for up to a day.
Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without toppings) in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the dish in the oven at 350°F until hot, or use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or more balsamic sauce to refresh the flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

With so many reasons to adore this dish, here are the highlights:

One-pan convenience makes cleanup a breeze.
Versatile pairings suit everyone’s preferences.
Fresh and flavorful ingredients create a perfect balance of taste.
Customizable options cater to dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Quick prep and cook times fit perfectly into busy schedules.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a fail-proof dinner option you’ll want to cook on repeat. Whether you’re making it for your family or as a dish to impress guests, it’s guaranteed to satisfy with minimal effort. Try it out and savor every bite! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration. Let’s get started!