This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a breeze to make! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty balsamic sauce all cook together in one pan—simple and quick!
Who doesn’t love a meal that cleans up easy? I enjoy serving it with rice or pasta to soak up that yummy sauce. Plus, you’ll feel like a kitchen hero with just one dish to wash! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their quick cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs also work well and add extra juiciness.
Cherry Tomatoes: The sweet burst of cherry tomatoes is key. If unavailable, substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the sauce its signature flavor. For a sweeter alternative, try apple cider vinegar, but remember it won’t have the same richness.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love using fresh mozzarella for its creaminess. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella or provolone can also do the trick.
Honey or Brown Sugar: This is optional, depending on your taste. If you’d like a sugar-free option, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or coconut sugar instead!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Tender?
Keeping chicken moist is crucial for this dish! Here’s my best advice:
- Start with room-temperature chicken for even cooking. Take it out of the fridge 20-30 minutes beforehand.
- Know your skillet well! Keep it hot before adding the chicken to create a nice sear. This helps lock in moisture.
- Don’t rush! Searing for those full 5-6 minutes on each side builds flavor and prevents dryness. Use a meat thermometer if unsure; aim for 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy.
How to Make Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or Italian seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delightful meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dinner option. In total, you’re looking at approximately 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
First, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs generously on both sides of the chicken breasts. This will infuse them with flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! Then, add the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey or brown sugar if you like a touch of sweetness. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to mix into the sauce.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken and the tomatoes soften. This step helps to concentrate the flavors!
5. Nestle the Chicken:
Now, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle them back into the sauce, and then top each piece with fresh mozzarella. This will make it all cheesy and delicious!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. You want the cheese to melt over the chicken and for the flavors to come together beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the mozzarella is melted and the chicken is hot, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately, and enjoy with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up that yummy balsamic sauce!
Enjoy this flavorful, easy, and elegant one-pan dinner—perfect for busy nights with minimal cleanup!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, so consider adding a splash of honey or sugar for a touch of sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook everything up until the point of adding the cheese, then cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat everything in the skillet, add the mozzarella, cover, and melt as instructed!
