Glorious One Pan Balsamic Chicken: Flavorful & Fast!
Life gets wonderfully messy, doesn’t it? And sometimes, dinner feels like just another thing on the never-ending to-do list. That’s why I’m SO excited to share this one pan balsamic chicken with you. It’s a true weeknight savior, coming together in about 30 minutes for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Cleanup is a breeze: Seriously, just one pan to wash! This means more time for you and less time scrubbing.
- Flavor explosion: The tangy balsamic, sweet honey, and fresh herbs create a truly delightful taste.
- Busy weeknight approved: It’s fast enough for even the most hectic evenings, delivering a satisfying meal without the stress.
- Impressive yet easy: This one pan balsamic chicken looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
The “One Pan” Advantage
Oh, the magic of one-pan cooking! It’s one of my absolute favorite ways to create delicious meals because it simplifies everything. When you cook everything in a single pan, the flavors get to mingle and deepen, creating a more intense, cohesive taste. Plus, think of the time saved on cleanup! Less washing up means more time to relax, connect with your family, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. It truly takes the stress out of cooking, making delicious meals accessible for everyone. If one-pan meals are your jam, you’ll also love our one-pot pasta with ground beef for another fast, minimal-cleanup dinner.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper, to taste. When the pan is hot and oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly golden brown. Add the balsamic sauce mixture. It should quickly come to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Immediately remove the pan from the heat and add the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through. Internal temperature should register at 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
What Goes Into Our Amazing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Let’s talk about what makes this one pan balsamic chicken so special!
- Balsamic Vinegar: I love a good quality balsamic here; it brings that wonderful sweet and tangy punch that’s the star of our sauce.
- Honey: This little bit of sweetness is crucial. It perfectly balances the acidity of the balsamic and helps everything caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Avocado/Olive Oil: We use this for searing our chicken and forming the base of our luscious sauce.
- Garlic: Because what’s a savory dish without the irresistible aroma and flavor of garlic?
- Italian Seasoning: This dried herb blend is a fantastic shortcut to deliciousness, bringing classic Italian flavors all together.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch adds a wonderful depth and a slight tang, plus it helps the sauce emulsify.
- Grape Tomatoes: When baked, these little gems burst with sweetness, creating little pockets of deliciousness.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: These melt into creamy little clouds, adding a luxurious texture and rich flavor to the finished dish.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil right at the end adds a bright, herby lift that makes everything sing!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The workhorse of our dish! Remember to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking. This is a game-changer for tender chicken every time.
- Avocado Oil/High-Heat Oil: We need a sturdy oil for searing to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: The essential flavor enhancers that bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Incredibly Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking this delightful one pan balsamic chicken! It’s really quite simple, and I’ll walk you through every step with a smile.
- Whisk Up That Gorgeous Sauce: Grab a small bowl and whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Give it a good whisk until it’s all combined. Now, taste it! Does it need a pinch more salt or pepper? You’re the chef here, so adjust it to your liking! Set this flavor-packed sauce aside.
- Toss the Fresh Goodies: In another bowl, gently toss together the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. A little salt and pepper here will wake up their flavors. This beautiful mixture will go on top later. Set it aside too.
- Preheat and Prep: Get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). You’ll need a large, oven-safe skillet for this recipe – a cast iron skillet works wonderfully!
- Sear That Chicken to Perfection: Place your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. While the pan heats up, season your pounded chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering (that means it’s hot enough!), carefully lay the chicken breasts in the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they get a lovely light golden-brown color. This searing step is crucial for developing amazing flavor through the Maillard reaction. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Once seared, carefully pour the prepared balsamic sauce mixture over and around the chicken. It should start to simmer almost immediately. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor gold!
- Top It Off: Immediately remove the skillet from the direct heat. Now, artfully arrange the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the seared chicken breasts.
- Bake to Bubbly Perfection: Carefully place the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The easiest way to check is with an instant-read thermometer; it should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The mozzarella should be melted and bubbly, and the tomatoes tender.
- Rest and Serve: Once it’s done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the one pan balsamic chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is wonderfully tender and moist.
Troubleshooting Your One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Even the most seasoned cooks run into little bumps in the road, and that’s perfectly okay! Here are a few common things that might pop up and how to easily fix them.
- Sauce Too Thin/Thick: If your sauce seems a bit too thin after baking, you can carefully remove the chicken and tomato mixture, then place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat to let the sauce simmer and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, a splash of chicken broth or water can help thin it out.
- Chicken Dry: The most common culprit here is overcooking. Always trust your thermometer – 165°F is the magic number! Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also ensures it cooks uniformly, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
- Vegetables Not Cooked Enough/Too Soft: Grape tomatoes cook relatively quickly. If you prefer them softer, you can add them a few minutes into the baking process. If they’re too soft for your liking, try adding them on top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Sticking to the Pan: Ensuring your skillet is properly preheated with shimmering oil before adding the chicken is key. If bits do stick, don’t worry too much, especially since you’ll scrape them up for the sauce! If a piece of chicken is really stuck after searing, try loosening it gently with a spatula before adding the sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
This one pan balsamic chicken is fantastic as is, but I love playing around with flavors! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity. Craving a different flavor profile on a busy night? Try the 30-minute bang bang chicken for sweet-heat satisfaction.
| Variation Type | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Swaps | Add broccoli florets, colorful bell pepper strips, zucchini slices, or asparagus spears alongside the tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes also work! |
| Herb Additions | Try adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat. |
| Protein Ideas | Boneless, skinless pork tenderloin pounded thin, or even salmon fillets could work, but adjust cooking times accordingly. |
| Sweetener Swap | Maple syrup offers a lovely autumnal flavor, or use a sugar-free alternative if you’re managing sugar intake. |
Nutritional Deep Dive & Healthy Swaps
This one pan balsamic chicken is already a winner in the health department! Chicken breasts provide lean protein, essential for muscle building and feeling satisfied. The tomatoes and fresh basil are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. To make it even healthier, consider using a reduced-sodium balsamic vinegar or opting for a sugar-free sweetener if you’re watching your sugar intake closely. Using a heart-healthy oil like avocado or olive oil is also a great choice.
What to Serve With Your One Pan Balsamic Chicken
This meal is wonderfully self-contained, but it pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides! I often serve it with:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Simple green salad: A light, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed rice or quinoa: For a more substantial meal.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables: Like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
For another quick handheld dinner on busy nights, try our Easy Southwest chicken wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully. They tend to stay extra moist, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
- What kind of balsamic vinegar is best? While a good quality aged balsamic will offer the richest flavor, a standard balsamic vinegar works perfectly well for this dish. The key is that it brings that signature tanginess!
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion & Let’s Get Cooking!
There you have it – a truly delicious and remarkably easy one pan balsamic chicken that’s ready to be your new favorite weeknight go-to! It proves that incredible flavor doesn’t need to take hours or create a mountain of dishes. I hope this recipe brings a little extra joy and ease to your kitchen.
Now it’s your turn! I’d absolutely love to hear how your one pan balsamic chicken turns out. Did you try a fun variation? Have any questions? Please leave a comment below – I’m always here to help and I love connecting with you all. Happy cooking, friends!
