Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 2 Tbsp. oil, such as avocado or olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard; 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

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When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity and flavor are key. That’s why this One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to whip up a delicious, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

With its rich, tangy balsamic glaze, juicy chicken, and fresh tomato-mozzarella topping, this dish brings a touch of Italian-inspired elegance to your dinner table—all in just one pan!

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this easy yet flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
One Pan Wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy your meal.
Balanced Flavors: The tangy balsamic glaze perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes.
Quick Prep and Cooking: Ready in 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Balsamic Sauce:

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil works best)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

For the Tomato-Mozzarella Topping:

8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

For the Chicken:

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any high-heat oil)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Toss the Tomato-Mozzarella Mixture

In another bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Set this aside as well—it will serve as a fresh topping for the chicken later on.

3. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when it’s time to bake the chicken.

4. Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown (don’t worry about cooking it through just yet).

5. Add the Balsamic Sauce

Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Let it simmer briefly, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish!

6. Add the Tomato-Mozzarella Mixture

Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly spread the tomato-mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts. The combination of creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes will create a beautiful topping as it bakes.

7. Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is fully cooked but still juicy and tender.

8. Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Helpful Tips for Success

Don’t Skip Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain tender. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet for best results.
Choose Fresh Mozzarella: Ciliegine (cherry-sized mozzarella balls) or pearls work beautifully in this recipe. If using ciliegine, cut them in half for better distribution over the chicken.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients and variety.

A Look Back at the Original Recipe

This recipe has evolved over time to become what it is today—a flavorful masterpiece! The original version didn’t include balsamic vinegar but instead relied on soy sauce, tomato sauce, and lemon juice for acidity and depth of flavor. While still tasty, feedback from readers led to this updated version featuring balsamic vinegar as the star ingredient, making it simpler and more cohesive in flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 380
Protein: 40.3 g
Fat: 17.2 g
Carbohydrates: 11.6 g
Sugar: 9.4 g
Sodium: 530 mg

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Lineup

The One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of bold flavors and comforting textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your evening after dinner is served!

So go ahead—grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home tonight!