Tangy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and bold flavors, and this one pan balsamic chicken recipe delivers exactly that.

Tender chicken breasts sizzle with a glossy, tangy glaze that makes mouths water instantly.

The magic happens in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Rich balsamic vinegar caramelizes around golden-brown chicken, creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of olive oil complete this effortless dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your weeknight rotation and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 375 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Build One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results.
• Mozzarella Balls: Choose fresh, soft ciliegine or pearl-sized mozzarella for creamy bursts of flavor throughout the dish.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness and depth, selecting a good quality vinegar makes a significant difference.
• Honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness, opt for raw honey for richer flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp, complex undertones that complement the chicken's richness.
• Garlic: Delivers aromatic intensity, fresh minced garlic offers the most vibrant taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that create a classic Mediterranean profile.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish.

• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, choose high-heat oils for best results.
• Grape Tomatoes: Adds fresh, juicy bursts of color and slight acidity.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other ingredients' natural flavors.

Tools That Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken Easy

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating delicious pan sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending balsamic sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing tomatoes and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Great for slicing tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Oven mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot skillet and removing from oven.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping chicken and scraping pan drippings.

How to Cook One Pan Balsamic Chicken Fast

• Flavor Fusion Marinade

Combine tangy balsamic vinegar with sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and earthy Italian herbs to create a mouthwatering sauce that will transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Vibrant Tomato Companion

Toss fresh cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves, seasoning gently to enhance their natural brightness.

• Kitchen Preparation

Heat a reliable cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, bringing it to a sizzling medium-high temperature to ensure perfect golden chicken.

• Chicken Searing

Gently place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in delicious juices.

• Sauce Magic

Pour the prepared balsamic mixture over the chicken, creating a glossy coating that will infuse every bite with complex, tantalizing flavors.

• Oven Transformation

Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 400°F oven, letting the chicken cook through while the tomato mixture nestles on top, melding all the incredible flavors together.

• Resting and Serving

Allow the chicken to rest briefly, letting the juices redistribute and ensuring each slice is incredibly tender and succulent when served.

Pro Tips for Flavor in One Pan Chicken

• Swap traditional balsamic for aged or white balsamic vinegar to create unique taste profiles.
• Replace mozzarella with fresh burrata or creamy goat cheese for a luxurious twist on the classic recipe.
• Try this recipe with boneless turkey breast, pork chops, or thick salmon fillets for delicious variety.
• Scatter sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus around the chicken before baking to create a complete one-pan meal that adds extra nutrition and color.

Serving Ideas for Balsamic Chicken Meals

• Vibrant Salad Companion: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber slices and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich balsamic chicken flavors.
• Carb Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside roasted garlic parmesan potatoes or creamy herbed risotto to soak up the delicious pan sauce and add texture to the meal.
• Wine Lover's Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the balsamic and tomato notes of the dish.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving to brighten the overall presentation and add a pop of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Storing One Pan Chicken for Meal Prep

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare multiple chicken portions during weekend meal prep and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. Refrigerated meals stay fresh up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to maintain flavor and texture. Frozen meals can last up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Microwave on medium power, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Separate tomato-mozzarella topping from chicken before storing to prevent soggy texture. Keep fresh basil in a sealed container with slightly damp paper towel to extend freshness for 4-5 days.

Savory Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Sizzling Balsamic Chicken delivers a Mediterranean-inspired meal crafted with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Fragrant herbs and tangy balsamic glaze elevate this weeknight dinner so cooks can enjoy delicious results without complex preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 8 oz (226 g) grape tomatoes, halved
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• 2 tbsps oil (such as avocado or olive oil)
• 2 tbsps finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until harmoniously blended.
2. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing an ideal thermal environment for roasting.
3. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high flame. Thoroughly dry chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes, crafting a rich golden crust that locks in succulent flavors.
4. Flavor Infusion: Cascade the prepared marinade into the skillet, deglazing and capturing caramelized essence. Artfully distribute cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves across the chicken, creating a vibrant and aromatic canopy.
5. Roasting Finale: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, roasting uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. After removing, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in balsamic mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to enhance taste depth and tenderness.
• Choose the Right Skillet: Cast-iron provides superior heat distribution and creates perfect golden-brown sear, ensuring restaurant-quality caramelization.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken and guaranteeing food safety.
• Rest and Redistribute: Letting chicken rest after cooking allows juices to settle, resulting in incredibly moist and succulent meat that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg