One Pan Balsamic Chicken

There’s something magical about a dish that delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort. I still remember the first time I tried making balsamic chicken—it felt like an intimidating recipe, but I was surprised at how effortlessly it came together. The balance of tangy balsamic glaze, juicy chicken, and fresh mozzarella transformed a simple weeknight meal into something special.

For beginner cooks, this One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a game-changer. It’s cooked in just one pan, meaning less cleanup. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together in a way that feels elegant. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Why This Recipe is Special

One-pan meals are lifesavers, especially for those who are new to cooking. This balsamic chicken recipe checks all the boxes:

• Easy Preparation – Everything is cooked in one pan, which means less stress and cleanup.
• Rich, Balanced Flavors – The tangy balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the freshness of basil.
• Beginner-Friendly – No complicated techniques required—just basic stovetop and oven skills.
• Versatile and Customizable – You can swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients and Preparation

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating a harmonious flavor profile:

• Balsamic Vinegar – The star ingredient that provides a deep, tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.
• Garlic – Enhances the savory notes and gives the sauce a delicious aroma.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds an extra layer of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a slight tangy kick.
• Chicken Breast – The lean protein base for the dish. It absorbs the balsamic sauce beautifully.
• Grape Tomatoes – Brings a burst of freshness and slight acidity to complement the rich sauce.
• Mozzarella Balls – Provides a creamy, melty texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Fresh Basil – Adds a fragrant, herbal note that brightens up the dish.
• Olive or Avocado Oil – Helps in searing the chicken and bringing out the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper – Enhances the overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Maple syrup can replace honey for a different kind of sweetness.
• Feta or goat cheese can be used instead of mozzarella for a tangier flavor.
• Dried basil can be substituted for fresh basil if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your flavorful glaze.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato and Mozzarella Mixture
In another bowl, combine halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. Toss with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive or avocado oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.

Step 4: Simmer with Balsamic Sauce
Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken in the pan. Let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This helps infuse the chicken with deep flavors.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Mozzarella Mixture
Immediately remove the pan from heat and evenly top each chicken breast with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Know When Chicken is Done: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part—the juices should run clear with no pink.
• Preventing Dry Chicken: Pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
• Fixing Overcooked Chicken: If the chicken turns out too dry, slice it and mix it with the balsamic sauce to help moisten it.
• No Oven-Safe Pan? No problem! Transfer the seared chicken and sauce into a baking dish before putting it in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This balsamic chicken pairs beautifully with various sides:

• Starchy Sides: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce.
• Vegetable Pairings: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh green salad make great complements.
• Bread Option: A slice of crusty garlic bread makes this dish even more satisfying.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.
• Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the chicken.

Conclusion

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is an easy yet elegant meal that anyone can master. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this dish will boost your confidence with its foolproof method and rich flavors.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! I’d love to hear your experience and any personal tweaks you made to make it your own. Happy cooking!

FAQ About One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

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