One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner you dream about—flavorful, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, crowned with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and bursty tomatoes. All made in just one dish, it’s a colorful meal that practically guarantees clean plates and happy faces!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is built on a foundation of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: from the juicy chicken to the zippy sauce and those pops of creamy mozzarella—don’t skip any! Here’s why they matter:

• Balsamic vinegar: The backbone of the sauce, giving everything a nuanced, tangy sweetness and glossy flair.
• Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the vinegar’s tang, creating an addictive glaze.
• Olive or avocado oil: Helps the chicken sear beautifully and lends a silky texture to the sauce—choose a neutral oil for extra crispiness!
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with a warm, aromatic kick.
• Italian seasoning: An easy shortcut blend that brings herby undertones without rummaging through your spice rack.
• Dijon mustard: Adds mild heat and deepens the savory notes in your balsamic sauce.
• Grape tomatoes: Roasting these little gems makes them extra sweet and juicy—slice them in half for more pop in every bite.
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy, mild, and ultra-melty—ciliegine or pearls both work!
• Fresh basil: Stir it in at the end for a burst of color and that classic caprese aroma.
• Chicken breasts: Pound to even thickness so everything cooks at the same pace and stays super moist.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Seasoning is key for maximum flavor—taste and adjust as you go!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and a joy to customize—perfect if you’re cooking for different tastes or need to adjust for what’s already in your fridge. Try one (or a few!) of these fresh twists to truly make this One Pan Balsamic Chicken your own:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or try turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
• Add more veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, red onion wedges, or spinach with the tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
• Cheese it up: Substitute shredded provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of feta if you don’t have fresh mozzarella on hand.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat, or finish with a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Whisk the Balsamic Sauce

Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This little bowl of magic is what gives One Pan Balsamic Chicken its unmistakable sweet-tangy signature.

Step 2: Combine the Tomato Mozzarella Topping

In a separate bowl, toss the halved grape tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside. You want the tomatoes to soak up all those herby, salty flavors before hitting the hot pan!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan warms, pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, then season well on both sides. Once your oil is shimmering, lay the chicken in a single layer and sear quickly—about 1–2 minutes each side. This helps lock in those juices and delivers golden edges.

Step 4: Build the Sauce in the Pan

Pour the whisked balsamic sauce over the seared chicken. Let it bubble up for a few seconds, and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan—those caramelized “fond” bits are pure flavor gold!

Step 5: Layer On the Tomato Mozzarella & Bake

Remove the pan from heat and pile that tomato-mozzarella mixture over the chicken. Now, pop the skillet in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Let your One Pan Balsamic Chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking—this keeps all those succulent juices right where they belong.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your One Pan Balsamic Chicken with a generous handful of torn fresh basil over the top—it adds fragrance and beautiful color. For extra pizzazz, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving will make every bite taste like a restaurant meal.

Side Dishes

This vibrant main dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like fluffy rice, lemony couscous, or even roasted potatoes to soak up the dreamy sauce. Want to keep it light? A pile of crisp arugula, a spinach salad, or some buttered green beans are wonderful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a showstopper by assembling individual servings: slice the chicken, fan it out on a plate, spoon extra sauce and tomato-mozzarella over top, and scatter torn basil all around. For family style, bring the whole skillet to the table—let everyone help themselves and soak up the aroma straight from the oven!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your chicken cool fully before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—for best results, store the tomato-mozzarella topping separately if possible, to help preserve its freshness and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked balsamic chicken for up to 2 months, the texture of mozzarella and tomatoes may change after thawing. For freezing, store just the chicken and sauce, then prep a new tomato-basil-mozzarella topping when you’re ready to serve again.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist. For a quick lunch, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again—hearty, vibrant, and just bursting with joy in every bite. I hope you find it as easy and delicious as my family does. Go ahead, give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with the kind of mouthwatering aroma that gets everyone to the table in a hurry!

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