One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet wonderfully simple to prepare, then this One Pan Balsamic Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious balsamic-honey glaze mingle effortlessly with fresh grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all cooked together in one pan for an easy cleanup. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this beautiful One Pan Balsamic Chicken. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor but also for the texture and vibrant colors that make the dish so inviting.

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: Provides a rich, tangy base that elevates the entire dish with its deep complexity.
• 2 Tbsp. honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar perfectly.
• 2 Tbsp. oil (such as avocado or olive oil): Helps in searing the chicken to golden perfection while enhancing flavors.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a bold, savory depth that complements the sweet and tangy notes.
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs.
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard: Adds a mild sharpness that helps emulsify the sauce beautifully.
• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness, they roast to soften just right and add freshness.
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls): Melts slightly for creamy pockets of cheesy bliss throughout the dish.
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil: Offers an aromatic pop of herbaceous brightness when sprinkled on top.
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness: Ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness.
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil: Ideal for high-temperature searing without smoking.
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Together the Balsamic Sauce

Begin by combining balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients until they meld into a silky, tangy sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—it’s the secret that makes the sauce sing. Setting it aside lets the flavors marry while you prepare the next components.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato and Mozzarella Mixture

In a separate bowl, toss halved grape tomatoes with fresh mozzarella balls and finely chopped basil. Lightly season this mixture with salt and pepper to brighten the flavors. This simple but flavorful medley will add bursts of freshness and creaminess as it gently warms on top of the chicken during baking.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven to 400 Degrees F

Preheating the oven ensures that when it’s time to bake the chicken, it starts cooking evenly right away. This step might sound small, but it’s key for achieving a juicy interior and perfectly cooked toppings.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This initial sear locks in juices and adds incredible flavor through caramelization.

Step 5: Add the Balsamic Sauce and Scrape Up Those Brown Bits

Pour the pre-made balsamic sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. As the sauce meets the hot pan, it should start to bubble gently. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure magic that intensifies the final dish!

Step 6: Layer the Tomato and Mozzarella Mixture and Bake

Immediately remove the skillet from heat and spread the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture evenly over the chicken. Place the entire skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. Then, let the dish rest for 5 minutes; this pause allows the juices to redistribute for tender, succulent bites.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze make fantastic garnishes that add an inviting finishing touch, enhancing both color and aroma right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the delicious sauce—think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a crunchy green salad for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken atop a bed of buttery polenta or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful, restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight!

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain the tender texture of the chicken without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless thighs work well and add even more richness, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your Dijon mustard and seasonings to avoid hidden gluten sources.

Can I prepare this dish without an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce or sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper generously to give a gentle kick of heat.

What should I do if fresh mozzarella isn’t available?

You can substitute shredded mozzarella or even burrata for a creamier texture. Just add it toward the end of baking to avoid over-melting.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is an absolute winner for any night of the week when you want a meal that’s flavorful, fuss-free, and impressive. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes all coming together in a single pan. Give it a try soon—you might just find this recipe becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen too!

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