If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, easy dinner recipe that’s both elegant and effortless, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken is about to become your go-to weeknight favorite. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and baked in a rich balsamic glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and deeply flavorful. Every bite is balanced with the freshness of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil making this dish taste like an Italian-inspired masterpiece, yet simple enough for busy nights.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this healthy weeknight dinner delivers both comfort and sophistication. It’s a one-pan wonder that fits perfectly into budget-friendly meals, healthy cooking at home, and easy family recipes collections.
The magic lies in the harmony between the warm balsamic glaze and the cool mozzarella-tomato topping. Together, they create a restaurant-quality dish that’s quick to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pan convenience – Less cleanup, more flavor! You only need a single skillet for cooking and baking.
- Healthy and balanced – Packed with lean protein, fresh tomatoes, and heart-healthy olive oil.
- Family-approved flavor – The sweet-tangy glaze and creamy mozzarella win over both kids and adults.
- Meal prep friendly – Great for make-ahead lunches or meal prep recipes throughout the week.
- Budget-friendly ingredients – Simple pantry staples make this an affordable, gourmet-style meal.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Balsamic Sauce:
- Balsamic Vinegar (⅓ cup) – The star of the show! This gives the dish its signature tangy-sweet flavor and rich, dark glaze. Look for high-quality vinegar for the best taste an essential in healthy cooking at home.
- Honey (2 Tbsp.) – Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the oven. Perfect for balancing acidity without refined sugar.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (2 Tbsp.) – Provides richness and promotes even browning. Both are healthy ingredients rich in good fats.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a subtle kick. A must for easy dinner recipes that taste gourmet.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp.) – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (1 Tbsp.) – Adds a hint of tang and helps emulsify the sauce into a silky, cohesive glaze.
For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:
- Grape Tomatoes (8 oz., halved) – Juicy, sweet, and colorful, these burst beautifully over the baked chicken.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (8 oz.) – Soft, creamy pearls of cheese that melt gently into the warm chicken. An irresistible addition for cheesy comfort food lovers.
- Fresh Basil (2 Tbsp., chopped) – Bright and fragrant, basil brings a garden-fresh finish and balances the richness.
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lb.) – Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the balsamic glaze perfectly. Pounding to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
- Avocado or Olive Oil (2 Tbsp.) – Ideal for high-heat searing to create a golden crust.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance every element of the dish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Preheat your oven – A hot oven ensures your chicken bakes evenly and the sauce caramelizes perfectly.
- Use an oven-safe skillet – A cast iron or stainless steel pan works best for searing and baking in one pan.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a thermometer to ensure it hits exactly 165°F for juicy, tender meat.
- Let it rest – Resting the chicken for a few minutes keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference – Basil or parsley add freshness and balance to the richness of the glaze.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Low-carb option: Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit for low-carb dinner ideas.
- Dairy-free version: Skip the mozzarella or use a plant-based alternative for a lighter, lactose-free dish.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
- Mediterranean flair: Toss in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for added flavor and texture.
- Protein swap: Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops for variety in your easy dinner recipes rotation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rice or quinoa for a hearty, balanced meal.
- Pair with a green salad drizzled in lemon vinaigrette for a light and refreshing combo.
- Add roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for more nutrients.
- Serve over pasta to soak up that luscious balsamic glaze.
- Slice and serve as a party appetizer perfect for those looking for easy party food ideas.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Once cooled, place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Meal Prep Tip: Cook chicken ahead of time and assemble with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes just before serving for a quick grab-and-go meal.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Balsamic Chicken draws inspiration from Italian comfort food traditions, particularly from the Modena region, where balsamic vinegar originates. The combination of tangy vinegar, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet balanced, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity, reimagined as a modern healthy weeknight dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the balsamic sauce and tomato mixture up to a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
3. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes use low-fat mozzarella, reduce honey, or serve with steamed vegetables for a lighter version. These are great healthy substitutions without sacrificing flavor.
4. What substitutions can I use for allergies or dietary preferences?
Try dairy-free cheese, gluten-free Dijon mustard, or swap chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly.
5. Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 380°F for about 12–14 minutes, then top with tomato mozzarella mixture and return for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. It’s a fantastic air fryer cooking method for faster prep and easy cleanup.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
- Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet. Bring to a quick simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from heat and spoon the tomato-mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
