One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Description

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

A delicious blend of Italian flavors in one skillet! This One Pan Balsamic Chicken features juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Inspired by traditional Caprese flavors, this dish makes weeknights special while staying simple to make. Perfectly seared chicken bathed in balsamic sauce, this dish comes together easily and tastes amazing paired with rice or pasta!

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz mozzarella balls
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Whisk together sauce ingredients. Set aside.
3. Cook chicken in skillet until browned. Add sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Top with tomato and mozzarella. Bake 18-23 mins.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 380

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard until fully combined. Set this sauce aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Toppings and Bake: Scatter the halved grape tomatoes and mozzarella balls around and over the chicken. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
6. Bake and Finish: Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, orzo, or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the balsamic glaze.

How-to Summary

Season and sear chicken breasts in an oven-safe skillet. Pour a simple whisked sauce of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and herbs over the chicken. Top with tomatoes and mozzarella, then bake at 400°F until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. Adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may cook a few minutes faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? After removing the chicken from the skillet, simmer the remaining sauce on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. A cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) can also be whisked in.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the balsamic sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Sear the chicken and assemble the dish just before baking for the best texture.
• What can I use instead of fresh mozzarella? Shredded low-moisture mozzarella or provolone cheese will work. The fresh balls offer a creamier melt, but shredded cheese is a convenient alternative.
• How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Drying the Chicken: Skipping the step of patting the chicken dry prevents a proper sear and can lead to steaming instead of browning.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many chicken breasts at once lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to release liquid and boil rather than sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Using a Non-Oven-Safe Skillet: Ensure your skillet is oven-safe (like cast iron or stainless steel) to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven. A plastic handle will melt.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Baking time can vary. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid dry, tough chicken.

Conclusion

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the ultimate solution for a flavorful, impressive, and surprisingly simple weeknight meal. By combining the classic Caprese elements of tomato, mozzarella, and basil with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup. Mastering the sear and avoiding common pitfalls will ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that proves elegant dinners don’t have to be complicated.