Unlock the secret to a delicious, easy weeknight meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. Juicy chicken breasts cook alongside vibrant grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. With quick prep and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken

You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible one-pan meal for so many reasons. It truly brings joy back to weeknight cooking!

Flavorful: Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy balsamic, sweet honey, savory garlic, and fresh herbs that elevate every bite.
Easy: This recipe features straightforward steps, making it ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks.
One-Pan: Everything cooks in a single skillet, drastically reducing your post-dinner cleanup.
Versatile: It pairs beautifully with various side dishes, from pasta to roasted vegetables.
Family-Friendly: The universally loved flavors ensure even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delightful One Pan Balsamic Chicken.

Ingredients

To make this delightful One Pan Balsamic Chicken, gather these fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavors of this dish.

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

Notes & Substitutions

Selecting quality ingredients truly makes a difference in your final dish.

Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best depth of flavor in your sauce.
Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil are both excellent choices for their flavor and cooking properties.
Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender.
Mozzarella: Ciliegine (small balls) can be halved, while mozzarella pearls can be left whole for convenience.
Tomatoes: If you can’t find grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes work equally well and can be halved or left whole if small.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe, making it perfect for every kitchen.

Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best).
Whisk and a couple of mixing bowls for prepping ingredients.
Meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breasts.
Cutting board and a sharp knife for all your chopping needs.
Meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your amazing One Pan Balsamic Chicken meal.

Prep Ahead:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season this flavorful sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside.
In a separate bowl, gently toss together the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. Lightly season this topping mixture with salt and pepper, then set it aside.
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This ensures even cooking.

Cook Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help create a beautiful sear on the chicken.
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or other high-heat oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering when ready.
Season the pounded chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the chicken develops a lovely golden-brown sear. This initial sear locks in juices and adds flavor.

Add Sauce and Finish:

Once the chicken is seared, pour the prepared balsamic sauce mixture directly over the chicken in the skillet. It should quickly come to a gentle simmer.
Use a wooden spoon to carefully scrape up any browned bits (called “fond”) from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of incredible flavor and will enrich your sauce.
Immediately remove the skillet from the heat. Evenly spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture directly over the seared chicken pieces in the pan.

Bake:

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, the safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Enjoy your delicious One Pan Balsamic Chicken!

Skillet Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes & Mozzarella

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering the perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken is easy with these helpful tips. They ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Even Cooking: Always pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. This guarantees uniform cooking and prevents dry spots.
Don’t Overcook: Use a reliable meat thermometer. Pull the chicken from the oven right when it hits 165°F (74°C) for incredibly juicy results.
Sauce Thickening: If your balsamic sauce seems too thin after baking, simply remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
Flavor Boost: Always use fresh basil for this recipe; its bright, aromatic notes are essential for the best taste.
Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the pan when you add the sauce. This step adds incredible depth and richness to your entire dish.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a fantastic meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with various sides and can be adapted.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this flavorful chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, nutritious quinoa, or your favorite pasta.
- Complement the dish with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage:
- Store any leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Gently reheat leftovers in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to maintain the chicken’s moisture and flavor. Avoid high heat to prevent drying.
Variations:
- Chicken Thighs: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time as thighs typically take longer and don’t require pounding.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate fresh spinach, sliced bell peppers, or zucchini directly into the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce for a subtle kick.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like crumbled feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile in place of mozzarella.

Nutrition

Enjoy this healthy One Pan Balsamic Chicken knowing it provides lean protein and fresh ingredients. Nutritional values are estimates, but they offer a good overview of the meal’s benefits.

Component	Amount
Servings	~6 oz. chicken with sauce
Calories	380 calories
Sugar Content	9.4 g
Sodium Content	530.2 mg
Fat Content	17.2 g
Saturated Fat Content	5.3 g
Trans Fat Content	0 g
Carbohydrate Content	11.6 g
Fiber Content	0.7 g
Protein Content	40.3 g
Cholesterol Content	93.5 mg

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes. This dish is rich in lean protein and fresh produce.

FAQ

Got questions about this delicious recipe? We have answers!

Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully; just adjust the cooking time as they may need a few extra minutes and generally don’t require pounding.
How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy? The key is to pound the chicken to an even thickness and use a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, then remove it promptly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can definitely prep the balsamic sauce and the tomato-mozzarella topping in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake right before serving for the freshest results.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
What if my balsamic sauce doesn’t thicken? If your sauce is too thin, simply remove the cooked chicken and simmer the sauce alone on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

There you have it – an incredibly easy, flavorful, and satisfying One Pan Balsamic Chicken meal that solves your weeknight dinner dilemmas! With tender chicken, sweet and tangy balsamic sauce, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this dish is a true family favorite. It delivers on convenience without ever compromising on taste. We encourage you to whip up this incredible One Pan Balsamic Chicken tonight and taste the simplicity and deliciousness for yourself! We’d love to see your creations; share your culinary adventures with us!