One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delicious and simple dish bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It combines tender chicken breasts with a vibrant balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella for a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil (regular, not extra virgin)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, shredded
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola or sunflower oil)
• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, shred the mozzarella by hand. Add the halved grape tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and black pepper and gently combine.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet in a single layer.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 2-4 minutes per side.
5. Step 5: Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Spread the mozzarella, tomato, and basil mixture evenly over the chicken.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, substitute with red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey or sugar.
• Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey to reduce carbs.
• Try a cheese blend with provolone and fontina for extra flavor.
• Use fresh chopped onions or shallots instead of onion powder for added texture.
• For a plant-based version, substitute chicken with firm tofu.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken or dry out the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used but may require slightly longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly and ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

Yes, using an oven-safe skillet allows you to transfer the chicken directly from stovetop to oven, making the cooking process easier and reducing cleanup. If you don’t have one, cook the chicken in a pan, then transfer to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 87 reviews

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe delivers a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor with tender chicken breasts baked under a blanket of fresh mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes. Enhanced by balsamic vinegar, honey, and a blend of Italian seasonings, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil (regular, not extra virgin)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Cheese and Vegetables

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, shredded
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil as substitute)

Protein

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

Seasoning

• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Sauce: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until fully blended.
2. Prepare Cheese and Vegetables: In another bowl, shred the fresh mozzarella using your hands. Add the halved grape tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then gently toss to combine.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it warm up. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with sea salt and black pepper, then place them in a single layer in the skillet.
4. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 2-4 minutes per side, ensuring a nicely browned crust forms but the chicken is not fully cooked through yet.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared balsamic vinegar mixture over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits without burning.
6. Bake with Cheese and Vegetables: Remove the skillet from the stovetop. Evenly distribute the mozzarella, grape tomato, and basil mixture over the chicken breasts. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute and ensures tender, juicy chicken. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful one pan meal.

Notes

• For a lower-carb option, substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener.
• If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, mix red wine vinegar with a bit of sugar or honey as a substitute.
• Use avocado oil if you don’t have regular olive oil for cooking the sauce.
• Fresh basil is preferred for better flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
• Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• If you prefer, cherry tomatoes can replace grape tomatoes.
• Do not use extra virgin olive oil for cooking as it has a low smoke point.
• Use a large oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.

Keywords: balsamic chicken, one pan chicken, baked chicken with mozzarella, Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner