Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They are juicier than chicken breasts, but they cook faster, so check for doneness after 7–10 minutes in the oven.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella balls?

You can substitute shredded mozzarella, sliced mozzarella, or even feta cheese for a different texture and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken—there should be no pink, and the juices should run clear.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls); 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness); 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Description

This one-pan balsamic chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy balsamic glaze, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce:

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:

8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Mix the Tomato Mozzarella Topping: In another bowl, toss the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive or avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
Simmer with Balsamic Sauce: Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute while using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. This helps incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
Add the Tomato Mozzarella Topping: Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly distribute the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Notes

If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness after 7–10 minutes.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan, Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 6 ounces of chicken with sauce
Calories: 380
Sugar: 9.4g
Sodium: 530.2mg
Fat: 17.2g
Saturated Fat: 6.4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9.8g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11.6g
Fiber: 1.2g
Protein: 40.3g
Cholesterol: 93.5mg