Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 8 oz fresh mozzarella; 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved); 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, pounded to even thickness); Sea salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you love flavorful, fuss-free dinners that look as beautiful as they taste, you’ll fall head-over-heels for One Pan Balsamic Chicken. This vibrant dish stars golden seared chicken breasts topped with juicy grape tomatoes and luscious mozzarella, all bathed in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. With a handful of simple ingredients and one trusty skillet, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table, bursting with color and zippy flavor—ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal cleanup. One Pan Balsamic Chicken is as easy as it is irresistible!

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pan Balsamic Chicken doesn’t call for a mile-long ingredient list—just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh elements. Every ingredient has its moment to shine, working in harmony to create a meal that’s zesty, creamy, and absolutely memorable.

Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the show, bringing tangy depth and a touch of sweetness that defines this dish.
Honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Olive Oil: Gives a smooth base for the marinade and helps the chicken stay juicy.
Garlic Cloves (minced): Infuses the marinade with savory, aromatic warmth.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes every bite taste like a trip to the Mediterranean.
Onion Powder: Subtle, savory flavor that boosts the marinade’s overall complexity.
Garlic Powder: For extra garlicky goodness that complements the fresh cloves.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little sharpness and helps emulsify the glaze for a lovely texture.
Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and melty, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Grape Tomatoes (halved): Juicy pops of color and freshness that brighten up the dish.
Fresh Basil (chopped): Sprinkle of peppery, fragrant green that instantly lifts the flavors.
Vegetable Oil: For searing the chicken to that perfect golden-brown crust.
Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless): The hearty base—pound them to even thickness for perfect cooking.
Sea Salt: Brings all the flavors together, but remember to season to your taste.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right kick to finish things off.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when your chicken is. Preheating ensures an even bake and perfectly melted cheese.

Step 2: Mix the Balsamic Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. This mixture will transform into a bold, luscious glaze for your One Pan Balsamic Chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Mozzarella-Tomato Topping

Take your fresh mozzarella and tear it into rustic pieces—trust me, it’ll melt beautifully this way. In a separate bowl, toss together the mozzarella, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped basil. Season generously with a pinch of salt and pepper, giving everything a few gentle tosses to combine.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Grab your biggest oven-safe skillet and get it hot on medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Season the chicken breasts with sea salt and black pepper, then lay them in the pan in a single layer. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden—don’t worry about cooking them through; the oven will handle the rest.

Step 5: Add the Balsamic Sauce

Give your marinade a quick stir and pour it evenly over the chicken. Let the sauce come to a bubbling simmer, using your spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Those little bits pack a ton of flavor!

Step 6: Layer the Toppings and Bake

Take the skillet off the heat and pile the mozzarella-tomato mixture over the chicken. Slide the uncovered skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let your One Pan Balsamic Chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking. This quick pause keeps the juices in and ensures every slice is moist and flavorful. Then, plate it up and get ready to wow!

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

Top your finished chicken with a handful of extra fresh basil or a scattering of thinly sliced scallions. A drizzle of balsamic glaze amps up the visual wow-factor and delivers a punch of flavor. For a pretty finish, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is always welcome just before serving.

Side Dishes

One Pan Balsamic Chicken loves simple sides! Pair it with garlicky roasted potatoes, fluffy rice, or a piece of warm, crusty bread to mop up all that tangy sauce. For lighter fare, a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus makes a perfect partner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chicken family-style right from the skillet for rustic charm, or layer slices over a bed of arugula for a vibrant, modern plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, stuff leftovers into toasted baguette halves with extra basil for an unbeatable sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a tasty grab-and-go lunch option the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftovers—just wrap the chicken tightly or use freezer-friendly containers. It will keep for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the fresh mozzarella on top; add fresh cheese after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a covered skillet or baking dish in the oven at 325°F, cooking until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep everything juicy. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and reheat in intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They stay extra juicy and soak up the balsamic glaze, though you may need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook them through.

What type of skillet should I use for One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

An oven-safe skillet, like cast iron or heavy stainless steel, is ideal. It lets you sear on the stove and finish in the oven seamlessly, making sure your cheese melts perfectly without extra dishes.

Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?

If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, try provolone, fontina, or even burrata for a similarly creamy effect. Shredded low-moisture mozzarella works in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different.

Can I make One Pan Balsamic Chicken dairy-free?

Yes, simply leave out the cheese or swap in your favorite dairy-free alternative. The balsamic-glazed chicken and fresh tomatoes will still shine and taste divine.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest piece; the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason One Pan Balsamic Chicken has become a go-to favorite: it’s unfussy, fast, and incredibly flavorful every single time. If you’re craving a dinner that’s equal parts impressive and easy, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat. Enjoy every bite!

One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the tangy flavors of balsamic vinegar with the richness of mozzarella and the freshness of tomatoes and basil. This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400F.

In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard.

Tear mozzarella into pieces with your hands. Add in the grape tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss all of the ingredients together to combine.
Heat up a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it heat up.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, and add to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Give the balsamic vinegar mixture another swirl and pour it over the chicken. Let it come to a simmer, and scrape off any browning off the pan.
Remove the pan from the heat, cover the chicken with the mozzarella mixture, and bake in the oven uncovered for 18-23 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian