One Pan Balsamic Chicken

This one-pan balsamic chicken has become my weeknight dinner hero, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. The tangy balsamic glaze creates a perfect balance with the sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy.

I first made this recipe when I needed something quick yet elegant for unexpected dinner guests. The combination of colors and aromas had everyone thinking I spent hours in the kitchen when it actually took less than an hour.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Adds lean protein and serves as the perfect canvas for the balsamic glaze. Look for evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Balsamic vinegar: Creates the signature tangy sweet sauce that makes this dish special. Choose a good quality vinegar for the best flavor.
• Honey: Balances the acidity of the balsamic and helps create a beautiful caramelization. Local honey adds a nice touch if available.
• Grape tomatoes: Burst in the oven releasing their sweet juices into the sauce. Select firm bright colored tomatoes for best results.
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Melt beautifully and create pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish. The mini pearl size works perfectly.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken properly and adds richness to the sauce. Extra virgin gives the best flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the entire dish with aromatic flavor. Fresh minced garlic makes a noticeable difference compared to pre-minced.
• Fresh basil: Brightens the finished dish with its distinctive aroma. Add just before serving for maximum impact.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before adding the skillet. This high heat will help caramelize the balsamic glaze and create deeper flavors throughout the dish.

Create the Balsamic Mixture:

In a medium bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar honey olive oil minced garlic Italian seasoning salt and pepper until fully combined. The mixture should look glossy and smell fragrant with all ingredients fully incorporated to ensure even flavor distribution.

Prepare the Tomato Topping:

Gently toss the grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls in a separate bowl with a light seasoning of salt and pepper. The salt will help draw out some moisture from the tomatoes which intensifies their flavor during baking.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper then carefully place them in the hot skillet. Cook for 3 4 minutes per side until golden brown creating a flavorful crust that will seal in juices.

Add the Balsamic Sauce:

Pour the prepared balsamic mixture over the seared chicken allowing it to bubble up around the edges. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes which allows the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to begin melding with the chicken.

Add Tomatoes and Cheese:

Remove the skillet from heat and carefully arrange the tomato and mozzarella mixture around and on top of the chicken pieces distributing them evenly throughout the pan. This ensures every serving gets a good balance of all ingredients.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the entire skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 18 23 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The tomatoes should be softened and beginning to burst while the mozzarella turns golden and melty.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the finished dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving which gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the chicken resulting in more tender meat. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before bringing to the table.

The balsamic reduction is truly the star of this dish. The first time I made it my daughter asked if we could bottle the sauce and put it on everything. Now whenever the family smells that distinct sweet tangy aroma wafting from the kitchen they know exactly what's for dinner and come running.

Serving Suggestions

This balsamic chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. I love serving it with creamy polenta which soaks up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a nice peppery contrast to the sweet balsamic flavors. Crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce from your plate ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Make Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the balsamic mixture up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be seasoned and stored separately for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook simply bring everything to room temperature combine as directed and proceed with the recipe. The finished dish reheats beautifully making it perfect for planned leftovers.

Ingredient Swaps

If you need to make substitutions this recipe is quite flexible. Chicken thighs work wonderfully in place of breasts offering even more flavor and moisture. For a dairy free version simply omit the mozzarella or replace with a dairy free alternative. Red wine vinegar mixed with a touch more honey can substitute for balsamic in a pinch. Cherry tomatoes can replace grape tomatoes and dried basil can work if fresh isn't available though the flavor profile will change slightly.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this dish. They may require slightly longer cooking time (about 5-7 minutes more) but offer more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.

→ What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

If fresh mozzarella isn't available, you can use shredded mozzarella, provolone, or even goat cheese as alternatives. Each will provide a different flavor profile while still complementing the balsamic chicken beautifully.

→ What sides pair well with this balsamic chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with garlic bread, steamed asparagus, or a side of cooked quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time. Prepare the balsamic sauce and store it separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, simply omit the mozzarella or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The balsamic-honey sauce with tomatoes will still provide excellent flavor even without the cheese component.

→ What type of skillet works best for this dish?

A large cast iron skillet is ideal as it can safely transition from stovetop to oven. Alternatively, any oven-safe skillet or frying pan with a metal handle will work. If you don't have an oven-safe pan, transfer everything to a baking dish before the oven step.