One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

If you love dishes that are bursting with flavor but require minimal fuss, then this One Pan Balsamic Chicken is going to become your next go-to recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts baked in a luscious balsamic glaze, surrounded by juicy grape tomatoes, melty mozzarella balls, and fragrant fresh basil. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes all coming together in one satisfying pan. This recipe brings together easy ingredients to create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it’s quick and straightforward enough for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together. You’ll love how the balsamic reduction clings to every bite, elevating the humble chicken breast into a meal that feels special and comforting all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essentials, this dish keeps things refreshingly straightforward. Every ingredient here plays a vital role in creating a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this One Pan Balsamic Chicken such a hit.

• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy sweetness that forms the base of the glaze.
• Honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a natural, mellow sweetness.
• Avocado oil: Great for searing the chicken, providing a light, high-smoke-point fat that brings crispiness.
• Garlic: Offers a fragrant, savory depth that enhances every layer of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Brings a herbaceous kick with classic Mediterranean herbs.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, tangy sharpness that complements the balsamic glaze beautifully.
• Grape tomatoes: Burst with juiciness and add a vibrant pop of color.
• Mozzarella balls: Provide creamy, melty goodness that contrasts perfectly with the tangy sauce.
• Fresh basil: Imparts a bright, aromatic freshness that lifts the dish to another level.
• Chicken breast: The lean protein star of the show, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This will create a smooth, tangy glaze that will beautifully coat the chicken as it cooks. The combination of those ingredients ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet. Sear until each side turns a lovely golden brown—this caramelization locks in flavor and sets the stage for the delicious sauce to shine.

Step 3: Add the Balsamic Sauce and Simmer

Pour your homemade balsamic glaze over the seared chicken and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the chicken cook gently in this tangy bath to soak up all that luscious flavor while continuing to cook through. This step is where the magic really happens, as the sauce starts to thicken slightly and coat the chicken in a rich, shiny layer.

Step 4: Top with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil

Scatter the grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil generously over the chicken. The tomatoes will soften and burst, while the mozzarella melts into creamy little pillows of goodness. The fresh basil adds that finishing fresh herbaceous note. At this point, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is perfectly melted.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves or a few twists of cracked black pepper right before serving bring extra vibrancy and aroma. You can also add a light drizzle of balsamic reduction on top to amp up the glossy finish and tangy kick. Fresh grated Parmesan cheese makes a wonderful garnish if you want a bit more savory depth.

Side Dishes

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the rich balsamic sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light cauliflower rice pilaf work beautifully. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or a refreshing quinoa salad balance the meal perfectly without overpowering the centerpiece chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board with warm, crusty bread for dipping into those irresistible pan juices. Alternatively, plate it atop a bed of silky egg noodles or cauliflower and ricotta mash for an elevated home-cooked experience that will impress family and guests alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the fresh mozzarella and basil separate and add them fresh after thawing, so their texture stays spot on.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious. Reheat just until warm throughout, to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe. Just remember thighs cook faster, usually in about 7 to 10 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They also don’t require pounding because they’re naturally more tender and juicy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken is naturally gluten-free as long as your balsamic vinegar and any condiments you use don’t contain gluten. Always check labels if you’re cooking for sensitive dietary needs.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! You can skip the mozzarella or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The dish will still be packed with flavor and just as satisfying without the cheese.

Will this recipe work with skin-on chicken?

You can use skin-on chicken, but you’ll want to sear it skin-side down first to get the skin crispy before adding the balsamic glaze. It adds a delightful texture and extra flavor but may need a slightly longer cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to toss in extra veggies like sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the tomatoes before baking. These veggies will roast nicely in the balsamic sauce, adding both color and nutrients to your One Pan Balsamic Chicken dinner.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is one of those recipes that just keeps winning hearts every time you make it. It’s quick, satisfying, and so full of beautiful, fresh flavors that it feels like a special occasion meal any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this pan again and again for effortless dinners that never sacrifice flavor. Happy cooking!

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