Description
This Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet balsamic sauce paired with juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts topped with fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Cooked in a single oven-safe skillet, this dish is a convenient, flavorful, and elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. avocado or olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tomato & Cheese Topping
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture: In a separate bowl, gently toss halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you start cooking on the stovetop.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. When the oil is shimmering and hot, add chicken in a single layer. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Add the balsamic sauce: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet with the chicken. It should begin simmering quickly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom to incorporate flavor.
- Add tomato and mozzarella topping: Remove the skillet from heat immediately and evenly distribute the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake the dish: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Substitute fresh Italian herbs if you don’t have Italian seasoning.
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel for both stovetop and oven cooking.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, salad, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
