One Pan Balsamic Chicken – Juicy, and Flavorful Dinner

There’s something so satisfying about cooking a full meal in just one pan. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but it also allows flavors to build and blend in the best way possible. This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is one of those magical recipes that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

What makes this balsamic chicken so special is the balance of bold, bright, and comforting elements. You’ve got juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. On top of that, you’ll add a mix of cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. Once it bakes, everything melts and melds together into something truly irresistible. The sauce thickens, the cheese softens, and the tomatoes release just enough juice to make everything taste fresh and vibrant.

I first made this One pan balsamic chicken on a weeknight when I had barely 30 minutes and no desire to wash a pile of pots and pans. Since then, it’s become a regular feature in our dinner rotation. It’s fast enough for a hectic Tuesday, yet impressive enough to serve to guests on a Friday night. The flavors feel sophisticated, but the steps are simple and totally beginner-friendly.

So, if you’re looking for a meal that’s wholesome, beautiful, and packed with flavor—and you’d prefer not to scrub multiple dishes afterward—this one pan balsamic chicken has your name written all over it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One pan balsamic chicken recipe is everything you want in a dinner—quick, easy, satisfying, and packed with bold, fresh flavor. Here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your weekly menu:

Easy to make: All the action happens in one pan. You sear the chicken, simmer the sauce, top it with a fresh caprese-style mixture, and finish it in the oven. Cleanup is minimal and the process is straightforward.

Perfect for busy weeknights: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this dish is ideal for those evenings when time is tight but you still want a nourishing meal.

Family-friendly: The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is kid-approved, and the melty mozzarella makes it feel like a treat for everyone at the table.

Layered flavors: The sauce is a perfect blend of rich balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, zesty Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. Each bite hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, tangy, and fresh.

Customizable: You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs, use different herbs, or make it spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper.

Visually stunning: With its glossy glaze, melty cheese, and bursts of red and green from the tomatoes and basil, this dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Health Benefits

Not only is this dish delicious, it also brings a lot to the table in terms of nutrition. Here’s why it’s a meal you can feel good about serving:

Lean protein: Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat, making it a great choice for muscle-building and overall satiety.

Low in carbs: If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, this dish fits well into a balanced low-carb or moderate-carb eating plan.

Rich in antioxidants: Tomatoes and fresh basil are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, which help reduce inflammation and support immune health.

Heart-healthy fats: Using avocado oil or olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

No refined sugar: The sweetness in the glaze comes from honey, a more natural sweetener that adds flavor without the need for processed sugar.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 380
Protein: 40.3g
Fat: 17.2g
Carbohydrates: 11.6g
Sugar: 9.4g
Sodium: 530mg

Ingredients List

The Balsamic Sauce

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

The Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for searing)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

The Topping

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls), halved if large
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Balsamic vinegar brings depth and tang. Reduced balsamic can also work if you like a thicker glaze.

Honey balances the acidity of the vinegar with a mild sweetness.

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.

Mozzarella offers creaminess and melts into the chicken for a luscious finish.

Tomatoes burst with freshness and lighten up the dish.

Fresh basil adds that final aromatic touch that really makes the dish pop.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the balsamic sauce
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken. This sauce is the heart of the dish and will coat everything with bold, savory-sweet flavor.

2. Mix the tomato and mozzarella topping
In a medium bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper if you like. Gently stir everything together and set aside. This topping will go over the chicken later, giving it a fresh, melty finish.

3. Prepare the chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and a juicy interior. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Sear the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point since it will finish in the oven.

5. Add the balsamic sauce and simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the balsamic mixture into the pan, around the chicken. Let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally. It should start to thicken slightly.

6. Top with tomato and mozzarella
Evenly spoon the tomato-mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts. Don’t worry if some falls into the sauce—this just makes it more flavorful.

7. Bake until done
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 18–23 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F). The cheese should be soft and slightly melted, and the tomatoes will be juicy and slightly blistered.

8. Let it rest
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.

9. Serve
Spoon extra sauce from the pan over each piece before serving. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious glaze
• Spoon onto a bed of garlic mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort meal
• Plate alongside pasta—penne or linguine work especially well
• Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option
• Stuff leftovers into a warm wrap or sandwich roll for a quick next-day lunch

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Lemon herb couscous
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower
• Toasted crusty bread to mop up the sauce

Beverage Pairings

• Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber
• Pomegranate iced tea for a tart, refreshing sip
• A light, fruity mocktail with berry or citrus notes

Kid-Friendly Options

• Buttered noodles
• Soft dinner rolls
• Corn on the cob or sweet roasted carrots

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers
Let the chicken cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any remaining sauce with the chicken—it keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Freezing Instructions
Place cooked, cooled chicken (with sauce and topping) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Tips
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the sear: Searing the chicken locks in flavor and gives it that golden crust. Don’t skip this step.

Overcooking: Always use a meat thermometer. Overcooked chicken can turn dry and tough.

Using watery mozzarella: Drain your mozzarella balls well, or blot them with paper towels. Too much moisture can water down your sauce.

Not pounding the chicken: Even thickness = even cooking. Skipping this step could leave you with dry edges and undercooked centers.

Overcrowding the pan: If your skillet is too small, sear the chicken in batches. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat
• Want extra sauce? Double the balsamic mixture and reduce a bit longer before baking
• Use a cast iron skillet for a deep, even sear and easy oven transfer
• For a creamy twist, drizzle a touch of dairy-free cream or thick coconut milk over the top just before baking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great. They’re juicier and cook a bit faster—just adjust the baking time to around 15–18 minutes.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the sauce and topping a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just sear the chicken and assemble everything as directed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard and vinegar labels to be safe.

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
You can, but it’s sweeter and thicker than the homemade version. Adjust the amount and skip the honey to avoid an overly sweet dish.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part—it should be white and juicy, not pink.

Can I use shredded mozzarella?
You can, but fresh mozzarella adds better texture and creaminess. If using shredded, add it toward the end of baking so it doesn’t dry out.

What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast iron or stainless steel skillet that’s oven-safe is ideal. Avoid nonstick pans for the searing step, as they don’t handle high heat as well.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your pan is big enough. You may need to sear the chicken in batches and use a large baking dish for the oven step.

What herbs can I use instead of basil?
Fresh parsley or oregano work well. You can also sprinkle dried herbs on top if fresh isn’t available.

How can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the mozzarella or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish is still flavorful without cheese.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is everything you want in a dinner—easy, flavorful, wholesome, and beautiful on the plate. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but crave something special.

Now it’s your turn to give it a try. I’d love to see your version, so don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or a pile of garlicky mash, I’m pretty sure this one will earn a spot in your regular dinner lineup.

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