One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One of my favorite weeknight meals is One Pan Balsamic Chicken. It’s simple, full of flavor, and best of all, it only dirty’s one pan! This dish combines tender chicken with a deliciously tangy balsamic sauce, bright cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and looks beautiful on the plate. What’s not to love? Whether you’re making it for your family or having friends over, this dish feels fancy without being too complicated. Plus, leftovers taste just as good, so you can enjoy it as lunch the next day. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

One Pan Balsamic Chicken combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The use of balsamic vinegar adds depth and sweetness, while the leftovers can be repurposed for flavorful lunches or next-day dinners. Plus, the one-pan approach means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken

This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing with bright tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. It’s versatile, allowing for customization based on your pantry staples, and provides a hearty meal that feels fancy without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• For the Balsamic Sauce:
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp oil (avocado or olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• For the Tomato Mozzarella Blend:

• 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

• For the Chicken:

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil or another high-heat oil
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Preparing the One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Whisk the Sauce Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste, and set aside.

Combine Tomatoes and Mozzarella

In another bowl, toss together halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.

Preheat Your Oven

To prepare for baking the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential for ensuring that everything cooks perfectly.

Sear the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. While the oil is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden brown. This will add a nice crispness to the chicken.

Add the Balsamic Sauce

Next, pour the balsamic sauce mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, and use a wooden spoon to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits add flavor!

Layer with Tomato Mozzarella

Once the sauce is bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat. Layer the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken. The colors are so inviting, and the aroma is incredible!

Bake the Chicken

Now, bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After that, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Letting the chicken rest really helps keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this One Pan Balsamic Chicken with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa, a bed of mixed greens, or some crusty artisan bread. Don’t forget to drizzle the extra balsamic sauce from the skillet over your side dishes for added flavor. It really brings everything together!

Tips for Success

• Pound the chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Use fresh ingredients to maximize the flavor.
• Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to retain its juices, making every bite tender.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result. Consider adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. If you want to change the flavor profile, try using different herbs such as thyme or oregano.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do it gently—either in the skillet or the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the dish moist.

Pairing Ideas

A light salad or some garlic bread pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of this chicken. If you enjoy wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may require a longer bake time.

2. What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor will differ slightly.

3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely! You can freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the balsamic mixture.

5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Feel free to whisk up the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends, this dish not only satisfies the hunger but showcases your cooking skills without requiring extensive time in the kitchen. Its rich flavors and appealing presentation leave a lasting impression. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!

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