This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a dinner you’ll want on repeat! Juicy, golden seared chicken is simmered in a tangy-sweet balsamic sauce, then finished in the oven with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The best part? This dish comes together quickly in just one pan, making it perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed – tangy balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic make a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with the fresh tomato-basil topping.
- Easy one-pan meal – less mess, less cleanup, more time to enjoy dinner.
- Versatile – serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies.
- Year-round favorite – perfect with summer garden tomatoes but just as delicious with store-bought ones in the cooler months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breast – boneless, skinless, pounded for even cooking.
- Balsamic vinegar – the star of the sauce, tangy and slightly sweet.
- Honey – balances the acidity of the balsamic.
- Avocado oil (or olive oil) – for searing the chicken.
- Garlic – adds a savory depth.
- Italian seasoning – for classic herb flavor.
- Dijon mustard – adds a subtle sharpness to the sauce.
- Grape tomatoes – juicy and slightly sweet, perfect when roasted.
- Mozzarella balls – creamy and melty.
- Fresh basil – bright and aromatic.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
👉 Prefer dark meat? Boneless chicken thighs work great too—just check for doneness after 7–10 minutes, since they cook faster and stay naturally tender.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
- Make the sauce – Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prep the topping – In a bowl, toss grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
- Sear the chicken – Heat oil in a skillet, then sear chicken breasts until golden on both sides.
- Simmer in sauce – Pour in the balsamic mixture and let it bubble for a few minutes.
- Bake to finish – Spoon the tomato-mozzarella mixture over the chicken. Transfer to a 400°F oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
What to Serve with Balsamic Chicken
This dish shines when paired with sides that can soak up the flavorful balsamic sauce:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Egg Noodles
- Quinoa or Rice Pilaf
- Roasted Vegetables
- Cauliflower Mash for a lighter option
Tips for Success
- Pound chicken breasts so they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the oven step—it helps melt the mozzarella perfectly and finishes the chicken without drying it out.
- Use fresh basil—it adds a bright flavor that really makes the dish.
Make It a Meal
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, crusty bread, or a glass of white wine for a cozy, complete dinner.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil
4
servings15
minutes30
minutesThis One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful, weeknight-friendly dinner made with juicy chicken breasts, a tangy balsamic sauce, and a topping of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Simple ingredients, one skillet, and incredible flavor!
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Sauce
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping
8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 Tbsp avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Topping
- In another bowl, toss together grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sear the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
- Add the Sauce
- Pour the balsamic sauce into the skillet. Let it come to a quick simmer, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
- Top & Bake
- Remove skillet from heat. Spoon tomato-mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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