The Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights

One pan balsamic chicken crafts ordinary weeknight meals into culinary adventures with minimal kitchen hassle.

Vibrant and aromatic, this dish marries tangy vinegar with tender, succulent protein in a single skillet.

Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, the recipe promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal.

Bold balsamic reduction adds a luxurious glaze that elevates humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily craft a restaurant-worthy dinner without complicated techniques or extensive preparation.

The result is a quick, nutritious meal that will impress even discerning palates.

Why One Pan Balsamic Chicken Keeps It Simple and Bold

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This one-pan balsamic chicken delivers an incredible taste sensation with minimal cooking effort, blending sweet honey, tangy balsamic vinegar, and rich Italian seasonings into a mouthwatering meal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe requires only one skillet and straightforward steps, transforming complex flavors into an easy dinner solution that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Power: Packed with 38 grams of lean protein per serving, this dish supports healthy eating goals while providing a delicious, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutritional value.
• Fresh Mediterranean-Inspired Elegance: Topped with vibrant tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality presentation and bright, fresh ingredients directly to your home kitchen.

Everything You Need for That Tangy Glaze

Main Ingredients:

Chicken: Protein-packed centerpiece of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts with uniform thickness for even cooking.

Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and sweet flavor enhancer that creates a rich, complex sauce for the chicken.

Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the acidity of balsamic vinegar and helps create a glossy sauce.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that adds depth to the balsamic sauce.

Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides classic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor of the dish.

Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.

Topping Ingredients:

Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet component that adds brightness and color to the dish.

Mozzarella: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich texture.

Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh, herbal note and vibrant green garnish.

Easy Cooking Tips for a Juicy One-Pan Meal

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

Grab a bowl and mix balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the sauce aside and let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Prepare the Caprese Topping

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 3: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get ready for some delicious cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Deglaze and Coat

Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Top the chicken with the prepared tomato and mozzarella mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful meal. Plate and enjoy your one-pan masterpiece!

Tips to Keep the Chicken Tender and Flavorful

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelization.
• Choose Quality Balsamic: Select a rich, aged balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor complexity and a more luxurious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Use a large skillet to prevent chicken pieces from steaming instead of browning, which guarantees a crispy exterior.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results every single time.
• Customize Herb Blend: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to personalize the dish and enhance the overall aromatic profile.

Storing and Reheating Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store remaining chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Drizzle extra balsamic sauce to restore moisture if needed.

What Complements This Balsamic-Packed Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the tangy balsamic and sweet honey notes, cutting through the richness of the chicken and melted mozzarella.
• Serve with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Crusty, herb-infused focaccia will soak up the delicious balsamic sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Create a Fresh Arugula Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish's richness, adding a peppery crunch and bright, zesty flavor that enhances the meal's overall taste profile.
• Recommend Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary will complete the meal, offering a golden, savory side that pairs wonderfully with the balsamic chicken's complex flavors.

Ways to Switch Up the Veggies and Sauces

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add sliced Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brings tangy Mediterranean notes to the dish.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños for a bold, zesty kick that elevates the chicken.
• Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme instead of Italian seasoning. Substitute cherry tomatoes with roasted red peppers and use goat cheese for a more earthy, aromatic experience that highlights garden-fresh herbs.
• Tropical Fusion Feast: Introduce pineapple chunks to the tomato mixture and use coconut oil instead of regular oil. Add a splash of coconut milk to the balsamic sauce for a sweet and unexpected Hawaiian-inspired transformation.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling One Pan Balsamic Chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken thighs caramelize in a rich balsamic glaze, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

Cheese and Tomatoes:

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• 2 tablespoons oil (such as avocado or olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a tantalizing marinade by blending balsamic vinegar, golden honey, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, zesty Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Gently combine halved cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella pearls, and torn fragrant basil leaves. Delicately season this vibrant mixture with a pinch of salt and a whisper of pepper.
3. Preheat the oven to a precise 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment.
4. Warm of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Sear the chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown crust that seals in succulent flavors.
6. Pour the prepared balsamic marinade into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to deglaze and incorporate any caramelized bits clinging to the pan’s surface.
7. Liberally sprinkle the tomato-mozzarella-basil medley over the chicken, creating a colorful and aromatic topping.
8. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in advance for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Swap fresh mozzarella with shredded for easier melting and more even coverage.
• Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes to enhance the overall brightness of the dish.
• Cast iron skillet works best for achieving perfect caramelization and even heat distribution.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg