One Pan Balsamic Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, then you’ve come to the right place! One Pan Balsamic Chicken is one of those heartwarming recipes that I find myself coming back to time and again. It’s not just the vibrant flavors that make it special; it’s also how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

What I love most about this dish is how everything comes together in one pan. You get juicy chicken, bursting tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella all infused with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to whip up. Trust me, your family will rave about it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep. Perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax with your loved ones.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh basil creates an irresistible sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish—who can resist melty mozzarella and sweet tomatoes?
• Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners but also impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make your kitchen smell amazing! Each item plays a role in creating that delightful flavor profile we all crave.

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

For the Chicken and Toppings

• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Variations

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless turkey breast or chicken thighs for a different flavor and texture.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Herb it up: Instead of basil, use thyme or oregano for a different aromatic touch.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. This step is crucial because combining these flavors creates that rich glaze that makes our chicken shine!

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Mozzarella Mixture

In another bowl, toss together your halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste before setting this aside; this mixture will add freshness and creaminess to our dish.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F while you cook the chicken. A hot oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful golden color on our chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan in a single layer. Searing them brings out their flavor while locking in moisture—cook until they are lightly golden brown on both sides!

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the browned chicken; it should start simmering almost immediately! Use a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds depth to our dish.

Step 6: Add Toppings & Bake

Carefully remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle the tomato-mozzarella mixture over the chicken pieces. Place your skillet uncovered in the preheated oven for about 18-23 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Once done baking, let your One Pan Balsamic Chicken rest for about five minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute within the chicken—providing every bite with maximum juiciness!

Enjoy this delightful dish with friends or family; it’s sure to become a favorite in no time!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Creating a delicious one-pan balsamic chicken dish is easier than you think, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time!

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly and remains juicy throughout. Uneven thickness can lead to parts being overcooked or undercooked.

• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, making each bite more flavorful and tender. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes bring vibrant flavors to your dish. They not only enhance taste but also add beautiful color to your plate.

• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can modify the amount of honey in the sauce. A touch more honey will create a sweeter glaze that balances out the tanginess of balsamic vinegar beautifully.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the pan before baking. They’ll roast alongside the chicken and absorb all those delightful flavors.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

This one-pan balsamic chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Present it beautifully on your dinner table for an inviting meal that everyone will love.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
• Balsamic Reduction: Drizzling a little balsamic reduction over the top enhances both flavor and presentation, giving it a gourmet touch.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of richness, consider shaving some dairy-free Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, this side dish adds a nutritious green element that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Light yet filling, quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a lovely base that soaks up any extra sauce from the chicken.
• Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds bright flavors that complement the balsamic chicken beautifully.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini sautéed lightly in olive oil provides a light and healthy accompaniment to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re set to impress your family or guests with this delightful one-pan balsamic chicken. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time or store leftovers for quick weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool entirely before freezing.
• Transfer the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals until hot.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about One Pan Balsamic Chicken:

Can I use other types of vinegar instead of balsamic?

Yes! While balsamic vinegar gives this dish its distinctive flavor, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different twist.

What can I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad, making it a versatile option for any meal.

How long does it take to make One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights!

Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and has fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil, fitting well within a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that One Pan Balsamic Chicken is going to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience you’ll look forward to sharing around your table. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do! Happy cooking!