Balsamic Glazed One-Pan Chicken

Introduction

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, easy weeknight dinner, this Balsamic Glazed One-Pan Chicken is a must-try. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, then baked with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. In just 45 minutes, you can have a beautiful, restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for a busy evening but impressive enough for guests.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The balsamic glaze caramelizes lightly on the chicken, while the mozzarella melts into creamy pockets that complement the roasted tomatoes. The fresh basil adds a bright herbal note, making this dish vibrant, fresh, and irresistible.

Whether you’re serving it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad, this one-pan meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Prepares in under an hour, including prep and cook time
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup, all flavors cooked together
• Flavor-packed: Sweet balsamic glaze, tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil
• Juicy chicken: Pounding to even thickness ensures tender, evenly cooked meat
• Kid-friendly and versatile: Mild yet flavorful, perfect for all ages
• Elegant presentation: Great for casual dinners or entertaining

Ingredients Breakdown

Sauce

• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Tomato & Mozzarella

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

Chicken

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 tablespoons avocado or other high-heat oil
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Serving Size: 6 oz chicken with sauce
Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet (preferably 10–12 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork (for sauce)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Meat thermometer (ensures chicken reaches 165°F)
• Plastic wrap or Ziploc bag (for pounding chicken)
• Mallet or rolling pin

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Prepare Tomato & Mozzarella

In a separate bowl, combine grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Prepare Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Using a mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

4. Sear the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.

5. Add Sauce & Toppings

Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, allowing it to simmer briefly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Immediately layer the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the chicken.

6. Bake

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

7. Rest & Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the chicken with the melted mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and balsamic glaze. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.

Notes & Tips

Mozzarella

• If using ciliegine (cherry-size) mozzarella, cut in half to melt evenly
• Pearls can be added directly without cutting

Chicken

• Pounding chicken is essential for even cooking and moist meat
• You can also use chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time accordingly

Sauce Variations

• Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness
• Use red wine vinegar instead of balsamic for a sharper tang

Flavor Variations

• Add roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth
• Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat

Flavor Profile & Texture

This dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated with a glossy balsamic glaze. The roasted grape tomatoes burst with sweetness, while mozzarella melts into creamy pockets that contrast beautifully with the caramelized chicken. Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal note, rounding out every bite.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	40.3 g
Fat	17.2 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	11.6 g
Sugar	9.4 g
Cholesterol	93.5 mg
Sodium	530 mg

Key Benefits:

• High protein content for satiety and muscle maintenance
• Moderate healthy fats from olive or avocado oil
• Provides calcium from mozzarella and vitamins from tomatoes and basil

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate Chicken: Prepare the balsamic sauce and marinate chicken for 15–30 minutes for extra flavor
• Prep Ingredients: Slice tomatoes and chop basil ahead of time
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to prevent mozzarella from overcooking

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs will be juicier but may require slightly longer cooking time.

Do I need to pound the chicken?
Pounding ensures even thickness, tender meat, and prevents overcooking thinner parts.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit mozzarella or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I prepare this on the stovetop only?
You can simmer chicken and sauce on the stovetop, but baking gives the mozzarella a melted, roasted texture.

What to serve with this dish?

• Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta
• Crusty bread to soak up balsamic glaze

Cooking Timeline

Stage	Time
Prep	15 minutes
Sear Chicken	4 minutes
Bake	18–23 minutes
Rest	5 minutes
Total	45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Plate the chicken with balsamic glaze drizzled over the top
• Sprinkle extra fresh basil for a pop of color
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or pasta

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Balsamic Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the glaze
2. Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs on top before baking
3. Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts with the tomatoes
4. Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top before baking

Ingredient Spotlight

Balsamic Vinegar

Adds a tangy-sweet depth to the glaze, helping to caramelize chicken and enhance natural flavors. Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar for best results.

Fresh Mozzarella

Creamy and mild, mozzarella melts beautifully over the chicken, complementing the tang of balsamic and sweetness of roasted tomatoes.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet to go straight from stovetop to oven
• Preheat oil until shimmering for a perfect sear
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in a single layer for even browning
• Let chicken rest after baking to retain juices

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Not recommended due to mozzarella texture; chicken and sauce can be frozen separately without cheese

Expanded Conclusion

This Balsamic Glazed One-Pan Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner: simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. The tender chicken, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, roasted cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella create a perfectly balanced dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

With just one pan, minimal prep, and under an hour from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy families or casual entertaining. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to dinner for easy, flavorful, and satisfying meals.

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