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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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