Sizzling One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights

When hunger strikes, a mouthwatering one pan balsamic chicken recipe becomes the ultimate weeknight savior.

Tender chicken breasts sizzle with rich, tangy flavors that dance across your taste buds.

The magic happens quickly with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that will make your dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

Robust balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy coating that seals in incredible moisture.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together, promising a delicious dinner that impresses without stress.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Top Highlights

• Quicken Meal Prep: Streamline your cooking with this one-pan wonder that minimizes dishes and maximizes flavor, letting you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying.
• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Combine tangy balsamic, sweet honey, and juicy tomatoes for a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe versatile for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple techniques that make you look like a culinary pro without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Balsamic Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts that provide the protein base for this delicious one-pan meal.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy and sweet condiment that creates a rich, complex flavor profile for the sauce.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.

• Olive Oil: Helps blend the sauce ingredients and adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's flavors.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil: A classic combination that adds freshness, creaminess, and herbal notes to the chicken.

Steps for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together a zesty blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, golden honey, fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a touch of bold Dijon mustard.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to elevate the sauce’s depth and complexity.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Topping

Gently combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and vibrant fresh basil leaves.

Enhance the mixture with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper to awaken the ingredients’ natural flavors.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat a splash of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust by cooking 1-2 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Infuse with Balsamic Goodness

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan.

Generously distribute the tomato and cheese topping across the chicken.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven.

Bake for 18-23 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Tips for Juicy, Tangy Balsamic Chicken

• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and smooth consistency.
• Use medium-high heat when browning chicken to develop golden crust without scorching the meat.
• Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over chicken for perfect, gooey coverage during final baking stage.
• Chop basil just before adding to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic freshness.
• Use instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F for safe, juicy results.

Balsamic Chicken Add-Ins and Ideas

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace balsamic vinegar with lemon juice, swap Italian seasoning for oregano and thyme, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Substitute balsamic sauce with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper, replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, use jalapeños instead of tomatoes.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Remove honey, use sugar-free balsamic glaze, replace tomatoes with roasted bell peppers, add extra olive oil for fat content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Omit mozzarella, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, substitute dairy with coconut milk in sauce, add dairy-free basil pesto.

Serving One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Rustic Italian Dinner Party: Serve this balsamic chicken on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and crusty bread for a stunning presentation.
• Hearty Mediterranean Platter: Slice chicken and arrange over a bed of creamy polenta or herbed quinoa, drizzling extra sauce on top for added flavor depth.
• Fresh Summer Side Symphony: Pair with a crisp arugula salad tossed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich balsamic and create a bright, refreshing complement.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to enhance the dish's complex balsamic and herb notes.

Storing Balsamic Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm gently in microwave at 50% power to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Keep tomato and mozzarella topping separate when storing to prevent soggy texture. Add fresh herbs and toppings just before serving for maximum flavor and crispness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

• Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

Yes, an oven-safe skillet is crucial for this recipe as you’ll be transferring the chicken from stovetop to oven for even cooking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and chop ingredients in advance, but cook the chicken just before serving to maintain its texture and prevent drying out.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent one pan balsamic chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your dinner plate with rich, tangy sauce. Weeknight cooking becomes effortless as simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
• 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust balsamic glaze by whisking together tangy vinegar, golden honey, aromatic garlic, fragrant Italian herbs, and zesty Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
2. Prepare a vibrant topping by gently combining juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Delicately season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the ingredients’ natural tastes.
3. Heat a skillet with oil and sear seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown, developing a rich caramelized exterior. Aim for 1-2 minutes per side to lock in moisture and create a beautiful color.
4. Drizzle the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken, using a spatula to release any flavorful browned bits from the pan’s surface. Carefully distribute the tomato and cheese mixture across the chicken.
5. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and roast for 18-23 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and juices redistribute.

Notes

• Master the balsamic sauce by whisking ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended flavor that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the topping to add fresh bursts of sweetness that complement the tangy balsamic glaze.
• Opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese to get a creamier, more luxurious melting texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize the recipe by swapping chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious balsamic profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg