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 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls); 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat oil); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? One-pan meals are the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, and this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is here to save the day.

With simple ingredients, easy steps, and bold Italian-inspired flavors, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines juicy chicken with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, and the bright freshness of basil and tomatoes. It’s comforting yet light, indulgent yet wholesome, and perfect for both casual dinners and entertaining guests. The best part? It’s ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal:

For the Balsamic Sauce:

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

For the Tomato Mozzarella Mixture:

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

For the Chicken:

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepping the Ingredients

Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set this aside—it’s going to be your secret weapon for flavor!

In another bowl, toss together the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This bright and fresh mixture will complement the savory chicken perfectly.

2. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the chicken bake to perfection.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

Once the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a lovely crust.

4. Add the Balsamic Sauce

Pour your prepared balsamic sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. It should quickly come to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds depth to your dish!

5. Top with Tomato Mozzarella Mixture

Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully spoon the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts. The vibrant colors make this dish look as good as it tastes!

6. Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.

Tips for Success

Pound Your Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Pounding your chicken breasts to even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain tender and juicy. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a Ziploc bag before using a mallet or rolling pin to flatten them.
Choose Your Mozzarella Wisely: If you’re using ciliegine mozzarella (cherry-sized balls), cut them in half for better distribution. If you’re using pearls (smaller balls), there’s no need to cut them—they’re ready to go!
Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar: The flavor of balsamic vinegar can vary greatly depending on its quality. Opt for one that’s rich and slightly sweet for best results.

Nutrition Information

Curious about what’s on your plate? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Serving Size: About 6 oz. chicken with sauce
Calories: 380
Sugar: 9.4 g
Sodium: 530.2 mg
Fat: 17.2 g
Carbohydrates: 11.6 g
Protein: 40.3 g
Cholesterol: 93.5 mg

This meal is packed with lean protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs relatively low—perfect for anyone looking for a balanced dinner option.

A Little Backstory: The Recipe Evolution

This recipe has evolved over time! When it was originally published in September 2017, it didn’t include balsamic vinegar—instead relying on soy sauce, tomato sauce, and lemon juice to mimic its flavor profile. While tasty, this version confused many readers who were expecting traditional balsamic chicken flavors.

To simplify things, we revamped the recipe to include balsamic vinegar directly—and it’s been a hit ever since! If you’re curious about the original version, you can still find it in the notes section above.

Serve & Enjoy!

Pair this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over pasta or rice if you’re craving something heartier.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Bon appétit!

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

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Author: Noura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

One-pan balsamic chicken is such a flavorful weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps for a no-fuss, Italian-inspired dish.

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper.
Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes on each side, until lightly golden.
Pour the balsamic sauce into the skillet. It should begin to simmer quickly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Immediately remove the pan from heat and add the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
Bake the chicken uncovered for 18–23 minutes, or until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Mozzarella: If using ciliegine mozzarella (“cherry-size”), cut them in half. If using pearls (smaller), no need to cut.

Chicken Prep: Pound chicken to an even thickness between plastic wrap or inside a Ziploc bag using a mallet or rolling pin. This helps ensure even cooking and a tender texture.