Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Can I make this ahead?

Sure can. Prep everything and refrigerate. When ready, bring the skillet to room temp and pop it in the oven. You can also reheat leftovers in the oven for that freshly-cooked taste.

What sides go well with this dish?

It’s dreamy with a simple arugula salad, garlic green beans, or even crusty bread to mop up that balsamic glaze.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken: 3 Easy Steps to a Perfect Meal

Description

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavor-packed weeknight winner! Juicy chicken breasts are seared and baked in a tangy honey-balsamic sauce, then topped with fresh mozzarella, blistered tomatoes, and basil—all in one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Tomato Mozzarella Topping

8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken

2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded evenly)
2 Tbsp. avocado oil or high-heat oil
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, toss the halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Once the oil is shimmering, add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Pour the balsamic sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Remove the pan from heat. Evenly top the chicken with the tomato mozzarella mixture.
Bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more basil if desired.

Notes

Pound your chicken evenly so it cooks consistently.
You can substitute chicken thighs; just adjust cooking time
Use fresh mozzarella for best texture and flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked, One Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg