One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, a tangy balsamic vinegar glaze, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner when you want something quick, delicious, and easy to clean up. By cooking everything in one pan, you save time without compromising on flavor. The balsamic glaze adds a rich, slightly sweet tang that complements the savory chicken, while the mozzarella and fresh basil provide a burst of freshness and creaminess that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

This one-pan recipe comes together in no time and requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy households. Plus, it’s a healthy dish that’s full of flavor, making it a great option for those on a balanced diet. Whether served over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables, this Balsamic Chicken will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one pan, making this a perfect weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
2. Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and a short cook time, this dish is easy to whip up for a busy day.
3. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and savory chicken create a deliciously balanced dish that will satisfy your taste buds.
4. Fresh and Light: The combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil gives this dish a light yet flavorful finish that’s perfect for any season.
5. Versatile: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple salad, making it adaptable for any meal.

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Ingredients

Sauce

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. oil (such as avocado or olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Tomato Mozzarella

• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil

Chicken

• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. They will remain juicy and flavorful.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add some vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the pan for a complete meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce or drizzle some sriracha on top before serving.
• Herb Variations: While basil is a perfect herb for this dish, you can also experiment with thyme, rosemary, or parsley for different flavor profiles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and fresh black pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Balsamic Sauce

In the same skillet, add the balsamic vinegar mixture. Stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them in the balsamic sauce. Add the halved grape tomatoes and mozzarella balls around the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the mozzarella begins to melt and the tomatoes soften.

Step 6: Add Fresh Basil

Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Give everything a final stir and adjust seasoning to taste.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps ensure they cook uniformly and remain tender.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from drying out. It should be golden on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for searing the chicken and holding heat evenly. If you don’t have one, any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
• Tweak the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey. Conversely, if you want a tangier glaze, increase the balsamic vinegar slightly.

How to Serve

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve Over Rice: The balsamic sauce pairs perfectly with a bed of white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
• Pair With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, for a balanced meal.
• Toss in a Salad: For a light, refreshing option, serve the chicken and mozzarella mixture on top of a bed of mixed greens, drizzling with extra balsamic glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Freezing:

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water or extra oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. They will take a little longer to cook, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken with the skin on?

While skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can use skin-on chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to sear it skin-side down first for extra crispy skin.

3. Can I use another type of vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be a little different.

4. Can I make the balsamic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the balsamic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before adding it to the pan.

5. What can I serve this with?

This chicken goes well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

6. Can I use pre-made balsamic glaze?

Yes, if you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought balsamic glaze. Just be aware that it may be sweeter than homemade balsamic sauce, so adjust the honey accordingly.

7. How do I pound the chicken breasts evenly?

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps ensure even cooking.

8. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Sear it first on the stovetop, then transfer it to a 400°F oven to finish cooking for about 15-20 minutes.

9. Can I add other cheese to the recipe?

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as goat cheese, provolone, or parmesan, depending on your preferences.

10. Can I skip the honey in the sauce?

You can skip the honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce, or substitute it with a different sweetener like maple syrup or agave.

Conclusion

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the perfect recipe for a quick, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and creamy mozzarella creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and just one pan, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your cooking rotation!

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