Picture this: it’s 6 p.m., the kids are hangry, and you need something delicious on the table—fast. Enter my One Pan Balsamic Chicken, your new weeknight superhero. I’ve made this dish probably a hundred times (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but it feels like it!) on those crazy evenings when time is tight but flavor can’t be sacrificed. The magic happens all in one skillet—juicy chicken, sweet-tart balsamic, blistered tomatoes, and that glorious melt-y mozzarella. Trust me, after testing dozens of versions, this combo is absolute perfection. The best part? You’ll be eating in 30 minutes flat with just one pan to wash. Now that’s what I call a dinner win!
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Listen, I know what it’s like to stare into the fridge at 5:30 PM with zero inspiration. That’s why this recipe is my go-to weeknight balsamic chicken meal—it checks all the boxes:
- One pan = happy dishwasher (that’s you!) No juggling three pots while the kids ask “is it ready yet?” for the tenth time
- 15 minutes hands-on time – just season, sear, and let the oven do the rest while you pour yourself some wine
- Kids devour it (shocking but true) – the sweet-tangy sauce and melty cheese make it a family-friendly chicken dinner winner
- Fancy enough for company – that caprese-style chicken presentation? Total crowd-pleaser with zero stress
Seriously, this dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Here’s the beautiful part – you probably have most of these ingredients already! This cheesy baked chicken with tomatoes comes together with simple staples, but let me tell you exactly what works best:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) – look for similar thickness so they cook evenly
- Salt & black pepper – don’t be shy here, it’s your flavor foundation
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – my secret for that “what smells so good?” kitchen aroma
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – good quality makes a difference when searing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – the sweet little bursts that make this dish special
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella – pearls are cute, slices drape beautifully (your call!)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar – splurge on the good stuff if you can
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional but recommended) – balances the vinegar’s tang perfectly
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil + more for garnish – because everything’s better with basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – my little flavor booster
Quick tip: If I’m out of fresh mozzarella, I’ll sometimes use shredded (about 2 cups) – it gets extra golden and bubbly! And no honey? No problem. A teaspoon of brown sugar works in a pinch.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Okay, let’s get cooking! This easy one skillet chicken dinner comes together faster than you can say “mozzarella.” Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have restaurant-worthy chicken with minimal effort.
Searing the Chicken
First things first – grab your favorite oven-safe skillet (I use my trusty cast iron, but stainless steel works great too). Heat that olive oil over medium-high until it shimmers – about 2 minutes should do it. While it heats, pat your chicken breasts dry (this helps them get that perfect golden crust). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Now the fun part – carefully lay those chicken breasts in the hot pan. You should hear that satisfying sizzle! Resist the urge to poke at them – let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop that gorgeous golden-brown color. Trust me, this step makes all the difference in flavor.
Adding Tomatoes and Sauce
Once your chicken is beautifully seared, reduce the heat slightly and scatter those halved cherry tomatoes around the pan. I like to tuck some underneath the chicken too – they’ll soak up all those delicious juices!
Quickly whisk together your balsamic vinegar and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Now drizzle this magical mixture over everything – I like to zigzag it across the chicken and tomatoes for even coverage. The vinegar will bubble up and make your kitchen smell incredible!
Baking with Mozzarella
Here comes the best part – the cheese! Top each chicken breast with mozzarella slices or pearls. Be generous – this is no time to skimp! Pop the whole skillet into a preheated 400°F oven.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melty and golden, and the chicken reaches 165°F internally (a meat thermometer is your friend here). The tomatoes will have softened into jammy perfection, and the sauce will have thickened slightly.
Final flourish? Sprinkle with fresh basil right before serving. That pop of green makes it look fancy, and the aroma is to die for!
Tips for Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee restaurant-quality results every time. These little details make all the difference:
- Pat that chicken dry! Paper towels are your best friend here. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear – dry surfaces mean golden, crispy perfection.
- Oven-safe skillet is non-negotiable – from stovetop to oven without dirtying another dish. Cast iron or stainless steel work wonders.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but those juices need time to redistribute – your patience will be rewarded.
Bonus tip: If your balsamic sauce seems too thin after baking, just simmer it on the stove for a minute while the chicken rests. Instant glossy, thickened perfection!
Variations for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
One of my favorite things about this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for creativity! Here are my go-to twists when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Burrata bombs – Swap mozzarella for creamy burrata right at the end. When you cut into it, that luscious center oozes into the balsamic sauce like a flavor explosion
- Roasted pepper party – Toss in some jarred roasted red peppers with the tomatoes for extra sweetness and color
- Balsamic glaze shortcut – Out of vinegar? Use store-bought glaze instead (just reduce to 2 tablespoons – it’s more concentrated)
The best part? Every variation still keeps that magical one-pan simplicity we all love!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, you’re gonna love how this One Pan Balsamic Chicken transforms your dinner table! My absolute favorite way to serve it? With a big hunk of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that glorious balsamic-tomato sauce. But on lighter nights, a simple fresh green salad with balsamic dressing makes the perfect side – the crisp greens balance the rich chicken beautifully. Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, add some roasted baby potatoes to the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking. One pan magic becomes a complete meal!
Storage & Reheating
Now, I know this One Pan Balsamic Chicken disappears fast at my house, but if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or smart enough to double the recipe!), here’s how to keep it tasting fresh. Pop it in an airtight container – I like to keep the chicken, tomatoes, and sauce together – and it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, skip the microwave (trust me, it makes the cheese rubbery). Instead, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The cheese gets melty all over again, and the chicken stays juicy. Pro tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar before reheating to wake up those flavors!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken FAQs
I get asked these questions ALL the time about this weeknight balsamic chicken meal – here are my tried-and-true answers to help you nail this recipe every time!
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs make a fantastic swap in this caprese-style chicken recipe. Their extra fat content keeps them super juicy. Just remember – thighs need 15-18 minutes in the oven instead of the 10-12 for breasts. Always check with a meat thermometer – you’re looking for 165°F at the thickest part. Bonus: thighs are often more budget-friendly too!
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Oh honey, I’ve been there – nothing worse than dry, sad chicken! Here’s my foolproof method: First, don’t skip the searing step – it locks in juices. Second, invest in a $10 meat thermometer (game changer!). Pull the chicken at 160°F – it’ll carry over to 165°F while resting. And third – this is crucial – let it rest 5 minutes before cutting. Those juices need time to redistribute throughout the meat.
Can I make it ahead?
For this easy one skillet chicken dinner, I recommend prepping ingredients ahead but cooking fresh. Here’s what I do: Season and store chicken in the fridge up to 24 hours. Halve tomatoes and mix the balsamic-honey sauce the night before. When dinner time hits, just sear and bake! The fresh-baked mozzarella and just-blistered tomatoes make all the difference in texture. That said, leftovers reheat surprisingly well – see my storage tips above!
Nutritional Information
Let’s keep it real – we’re here for the melted mozzarella and that tangy balsamic goodness, but I know some of you like the details! Here’s the general nutrition scoop for my One Pan Balsamic Chicken (per serving, based on standard ingredients):
- Calories: Around 430 (mostly from that glorious cheese and olive oil)
- Protein: A solid 38g – chicken breast doing its job!
- Carbs: About 12g (mostly from the tomatoes and touch of honey)
- Fat: 22g (thank the mozzarella and olive oil for the good kind of fats)
Important note: Estimates vary based on your specific ingredients/brands. Using low-moisture mozzarella? That’ll change the numbers. Skip the honey? Fewer carbs. My philosophy? Enjoy this balanced meal as part of your overall diet – life’s too short not to savor every cheesy bite!
Share Your One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Did this become your new favorite weeknight hero? I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @[yourhandle] – nothing makes me happier than seeing your cheesy, balsamic-drenched masterpieces. Happy cooking!
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe – 30-Minute Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Easy, cheesy, and saucy—your next family dinner favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or in pearls
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for balance)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and honey. Pour over chicken and tomatoes.
- Add mozzarella slices or pearls on top of each chicken breast. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melty.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Perfect with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Pan-to-table in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg