Why Make This Recipe
One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means easy cleanup!
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 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
- Fresh black pepper
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
- Add the balsamic sauce mixture and bring to a simmer, scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Remove from heat and add the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165F).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Serve this dish hot, directly from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. The rich balsamic flavor complements the chicken, while the melted mozzarella adds creaminess. Don’t forget to spoon the delicious pan juices over the top for extra flavor!
How to Store One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or Dijon mustard to suit your taste.
- For a veggie boost, add sliced bell peppers or spinach to the pan before baking.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using different proteins, such as pork chops or salmon. You can also try adding different vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, to roast along with the chicken for a complete meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the thighs.
2. Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar combined with a little sugar for a similar flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them together.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
Balsamic Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Vegetables and Cheese
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped
Chicken
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Fresh black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cooking
- Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
- Add the balsamic sauce mixture and bring to a simmer, scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Remove from heat and add the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165F).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.