One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One-pan balsamic chicken is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken with the vibrant flavors of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh basil. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe stands out for its ease and delightful taste. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion, from a busy weekday meal to a cozy weekend gathering.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sauce
• For the Chicken and Toppings
• For Cooking
• How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 2: Mix Tomato and Mozzarella
• Step 3: Preheat the Oven
• Step 4: Sear the Chicken
• Step 5: Add Sauce and Toppings
• Step 6: Bake
• How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken
• Serve with Fresh Greens
• Pair with Grains
• Add Extra Veggies
• Accompany with Bread
• How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken
• Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
• Can I use different vegetables?
• How do I know when my chicken is done?
• What can I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?
• Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Spend just 15 minutes prepping, making it ideal for busy nights.
• All-in-One Cooking: Cook everything in one pan, saving you time on cleanup.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey creates a mouthwatering glaze.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice.
• Versatile Dish: Perfectly pairs with rice or salad for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Meat mallet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large oven-safe skillet: Allows you to sear the chicken perfectly while being able to go straight into the oven.
• Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients are well combined for maximum flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Great for scraping up fond from the pan, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Chicken and Toppings

• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

For Cooking

• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Tomato and Mozzarella

In another bowl, toss together the grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) while you prepare the chicken.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Once hot and shimmering, add chicken in a single layer to brown for about 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly golden.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Toppings

Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet over the chicken. Allow it to come to a simmer as you scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Then remove from heat and layer your tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.

Step 6: Bake

Place your skillet in the preheated oven uncovered. Bake for 18–23 minutes until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your One Pan Balsamic Chicken!

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One pan balsamic chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to complement this flavorful dish.

Serve with Fresh Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: Toss together a variety of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
• Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar salad pairs well with the balsamic flavors, adding crunch and creaminess.

Pair with Grains

• Quinoa: Cooked quinoa offers a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the balsamic chicken.
• Brown Rice: A simple side of brown rice absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.

Add Extra Veggies

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, making your plate vibrant.
• Roasted Asparagus: Season asparagus with olive oil and garlic, then roast until tender for an elegant touch.

Accompany with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious balsamic sauce.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread alongside to add a hearty element to your meal.

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How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken

To ensure your one pan balsamic chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality balsamic vinegar: This enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Opt for a thick, rich vinegar for best results.
• Pound chicken evenly: Ensuring uniform thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking chicken in a single layer allows for better browning and prevents steaming.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking keeps it tender and juicy by redistributing juices.
• Adjust seasoning as desired: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or additional herbs based on your taste preferences.
• Experiment with veggies: Adding seasonal vegetables can enhance nutrition and flavor. Try bell peppers or zucchini!

Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your one pan balsamic chicken can enhance your meal greatly. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that complements the chicken’s sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil brings out their natural sweetness.
3. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon makes a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
4. Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach adds color and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a fun finger food option alongside dinner.
6. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil enhance Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is simple, but small mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause the juices to run out. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat to 400°F before baking your dish.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar balsamic vinegar or chicken can affect flavor. Select high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Be generous with salt and pepper, and taste as you go!
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness and flavor. Don’t skip it; add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum impact.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will last up to 2 months.

Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making One Pan Balsamic Chicken.

What is One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, all cooked together in one pan.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize by adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

What can I serve with One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Is One Pan Balsamic Chicken healthy?

Yes! It offers lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious option.

Final Thoughts

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or herbs according to your taste. Try this recipe for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!