One Pan Balsamic Chicken — A Deliciously Simple Dinner You’ll Love

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When the day winds down and you’re looking at the clock wondering how you’ll pull together a tasty meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen or piles of dirty dishes, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is the answer you didn’t know you needed. You deserve a meal that’s bursting with flavor but light on fuss—something fresh, wholesome, and comforting all at once. Imagine tender chicken breasts glazed with a tangy-sweet balsamic sauce, topped with juicy tomatoes and melted mozzarella, all cooked in a single skillet. It’s that kind of meal that makes you feel cared for, even on your busiest evenings.

Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dinner with simple ingredients, a straightforward process, and minimal cleanup. You’re going to love how effortless it is to impress your family or guests with this recipe. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the Perfect Weeknight Meal for You

You’re busy—maybe juggling work, kids, or just the everyday chaos. Finding time to cook doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This recipe was designed with you in mind:

• Fast and Efficient: With about 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
• One Pan, One Mess: Say goodbye to scrubbing multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks in a single oven-safe skillet, saving you time and energy.
• Balanced and Nutritious: Lean chicken provides a solid protein base, while fresh grape tomatoes and mozzarella add freshness and creaminess without excess calories. The balsamic vinegar gives you a flavor boost plus antioxidants.
• Impressive but Easy: It looks like a restaurant-worthy dish, but the technique is simple enough even if you’re just starting your cooking journey.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the herbs, sweetness level, or add sides that suit your family’s preferences.

Because this meal works well for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, it’s likely to become a staple in your recipe box.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Before you start, gather your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process seamless.

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Tomato Mozzarella Topping

• 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or any high-heat cooking oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients at a Glance

Ingredient Group	Ingredients	Quantity
Sauce	Balsamic vinegar	1/3 cup
	Honey	2 Tbsp
	Avocado or olive oil	2 Tbsp
	Garlic cloves, minced	2
	Italian seasoning	1 tsp
	Dijon mustard	1 Tbsp
	Salt and pepper	To taste
Tomato Mozzarella	Grape tomatoes, halved	8 oz
	Fresh mozzarella balls	8 oz
	Fresh basil, finely chopped	2 Tbsp
	Salt and pepper	To taste
Chicken	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	2 lb
	Avocado or high-heat oil	2 Tbsp
	Kosher salt and black pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Your One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a flavorful, juicy chicken dinner that’s sure to satisfy.

1. Whisk Together the Balsamic Sauce

Start by combining balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. Whisk them thoroughly until the honey dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground pepper according to your taste. Set this vibrant sauce aside while you prep the rest.

2. Prepare the Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Mixture

In another bowl, gently toss together the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This topping adds freshness and a creamy texture that perfectly balances the tangy sauce and tender chicken.

3. Get Your Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready once you’ve seared the chicken.

4. Sear the Chicken Breasts

Heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil over medium-high heat in a large, oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan in a single layer. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in flavor and moisture.

5. Add the Sauce and Tomato Mozzarella Mixture

Pour your prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. It will start to simmer gently, releasing all those wonderful aromas. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening any tasty brown bits stuck there. Then, remove the pan from heat and spoon the tomato mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

6. Bake to Finish Cooking

Transfer the skillet directly into your preheated oven. Let the chicken bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy and tender.

7. Rest and Garnish Before Serving

Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, making every bite succulent. If you like, sprinkle some additional fresh basil on top for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Quick Recipe Recap: How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Whisk sauce ingredients; set aside.
• Toss tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil; season and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Heat oil; sear chicken 1-2 minutes per side.
• Pour sauce over chicken; remove from heat; add tomato mixture.
• Bake 18-23 minutes until done.
• Rest 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.

Tips to Master Your One Pan Balsamic Chicken Every Time

• Pound your chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate, avoiding dry edges or undercooked centers.
• Use fresh mozzarella for creaminess and better melting compared to processed cheeses.
• Adjust sweetness by tweaking the honey amount if you prefer your sauce more tangy or sweet.
• Choose an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or stainless steel to go straight from stove to oven without hassle.
• Don’t skip resting—this final step makes your chicken juicier and more tender.
• Customize herbs by adding oregano or thyme if you want to experiment with flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Healthy and Balanced for You?

• Lean chicken breast packs a punch of protein without excess fat.
• Fresh tomatoes add vitamins, antioxidants, and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Balsamic vinegar is known for its antioxidant properties and may aid digestion.
• Using heart-healthy oils like avocado or olive oil enhances flavor while supporting good cholesterol levels.
• Minimal added sugars (from honey) keep this recipe wholesome and suitable for many diets.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Balsamic Chicken

What can I serve alongside this chicken dish?

You can pair it with steamed vegetables, a light green salad, fluffy rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Can I substitute mozzarella with other cheeses?

Fresh mozzarella is best for its melting quality and mild flavor, but burrata or mild goat cheese are good alternatives.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

With a small adjustment of reducing honey or replacing it with a keto-friendly sweetener, yes, this dish can fit keto guidelines.

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	High
Fat	Moderate (healthy oils)
Carbohydrates	Moderate
Fiber	Low to moderate

Why You Should Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken Tonight

You deserve meals that excite your taste buds without stressing your schedule. This recipe delivers that and more—combining fresh ingredients, wholesome nutrition, and irresistible flavor in one skillet. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for guests, or simply treating yourself, this dinner checks all the boxes.

So why wait? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get cooking. When you taste that first juicy bite, you’ll know you’ve found a new favorite. And once you try it, don’t forget to share your experience and tweaks—you might inspire someone else to discover the magic of One Pan Balsamic Chicken.

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