There’s something about the smell of garlic and balsamic simmering in the kitchen that pulls everyone in. Last Tuesday, the scent hit me before I even stepped through the door — and just like that, dinner was no longer a solo affair. This one-pan balsamic chicken had my family circling like hungry songbirds before it even hit the table.
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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken
This one-pan balsamic chicken is a total weeknight win that checks every box: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a chore. Even better, everything cooks in a single pan, which means less mess and almost no cleanup stress.
The chicken stays juicy and tender, soaking up a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze that fills the kitchen with warm, garlicky goodness. Just before baking, it gets topped with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and a sprinkle of fresh basil — like a cozy caprese salad right on top.
This one-pan balsamic chicken feels both comforting and fresh, with layers of flavor that make it feel special without extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this one-pan balsamic chicken so irresistible: tender, juicy chicken breasts soak up a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, while fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil melt into a caprese-style topping. Every bite is packed with bold flavor, yet the whole meal comes together easily in one skillet — perfect for a cozy, low-effort weeknight win.
For the Balsamic Sauce
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
This sauce is the flavor backbone — tangy, sweet, and garlicky with just enough zip.
For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
You’ll toss these with a little salt and pepper. The result is a melty, juicy topping that screams late summer.
For the Chicken
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or high-heat oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
Step-by-Step: How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Make the balsamic sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, avocado or olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the honey dissolves completely and everything blends into a smooth, glossy sauce. Don’t forget to season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper — it makes all the difference. This flavorful blend is the heart of your one-pan balsamic chicken, bringing tangy richness and just a hint of sweetness to every bite.
Once combined, set the sauce aside while you prep the chicken. When this balsamic glaze hits the hot skillet, it bubbles up and starts to thicken, coating the chicken in irresistible flavor. It’s what makes this one-pan balsamic chicken so comforting and absolutely crave-worthy.
Toss the tomato mozzarella topping
In another bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the natural flavors. Give everything a gentle toss so the seasoning coats each piece. Let the mixture sit while you prepare the chicken — this resting time is key.
It allows the basil to infuse its fresh, herby aroma into the tomatoes and mozzarella, adding extra depth to the final dish. When spooned over the one-pan balsamic chicken, this topping creates a caprese-style burst of brightness that balances the rich, tangy glaze. The contrast in temperature and texture makes this one-pan balsamic chicken feel vibrant, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Sear the chicken on the stovetop
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear each piece for about 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
You’re not cooking it through here — just building that golden crust.
Add sauce and bake to finish
Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken. Let it come to a gentle simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
Then, remove from heat and top the chicken with the tomato mozzarella mixture.
Slide the whole skillet into the oven and bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving your one-pan balsamic chicken. That short pause makes a big difference — it allows the juices to settle, keeping each bite tender, moist, and packed with flavor. If you slice too soon, all those delicious juices run out onto the plate. Letting your one-pan balsamic chicken rest ensures a juicy texture and a satisfying finish that’s worth the wait. It’s a simple step that truly pays off in flavor.
Tips for Success
- Pound your chicken evenly. It cooks faster and stays tender throughout.
- Use ciliegine mozzarella if you want bigger bites of cheese. Cut them in half for the best melt. Pearls can go in whole.
- Prefer thighs? No problem. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work too — just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe Card
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken – Juicy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful one-pan balsamic chicken topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. A quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
SAUCE:
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
TOMATO MOZZARELLA TOPPING:
8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
CHICKEN:
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 Tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
1. Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, toss tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F.
4. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
5. Sear chicken 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Add balsamic sauce and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits.
6. Remove from heat, top chicken with tomato mozzarella mixture.
7. Bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cut ciliegine mozzarella in half for better melt; pearls can remain whole.
Pounding chicken helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
You can swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs; just adjust the cook time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Crock Pot Recipes
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9.4
- Sodium: 530.2
- Fat: 17.2
- Saturated Fat: 5.1
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 11.6
- Fiber: 1.1
- Protein: 40.3
- Cholesterol: 93.5
Explore Similar Recipes
If you love the sound of this one-pan wonder, don’t miss our slow cooker honey garlic chicken for busy weeknights.
Want something a little crispy? Try our easy baked chicken thighs with crispy skin.
And if you’re craving comfort in a bowl, this creamy Tuscan chicken orzo skillet meal will hit the spot.
Or, change up your weeknight routine with our bold and cheesy buffalo chicken flatbread.
Nutrition Information
Each serving (about 6 oz chicken with sauce) includes:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 40.3 g
- Fat: 17.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.6 g
- Sugar: 9.4 g
- Sodium: 530.2 mg
- Cholesterol: 93.5 mg
It’s a high-protein, lower-carb one-pan balsamic chicken option that feels satisfying without being heavy. Thanks to the rich glaze and fresh toppings, this one-pan balsamic chicken brings balanced flavor and nutrition to your dinner table without extra effort.
FAQs About One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great. They’re juicier and slightly richer. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time since they’re often thicker.
What vegetables pair best with one-pan balsamic chicken?
Roasted green beans, asparagus, or even sautéed spinach pair beautifully. You can also toss some baby potatoes into the skillet if you want to bulk it up.
How do I prevent the balsamic glaze from becoming too thick or burning?
Don’t crank the heat too high when simmering the sauce. Keep it to a gentle simmer before baking. It will thicken naturally in the oven.
Can this dish be made ahead of time and reheated?
Yes, it reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the glaze looks too thick.
Final Thoughts
This one-pan balsamic chicken is the kind of dinner that brings people to the kitchen without a word — the aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around. It’s rich and satisfying without feeling heavy, and the fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella topping keeps it bright and balanced. One-pan balsamic chicken also means less cleanup, which is always a bonus on a busy night. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish feels special but stays simple. It’s a weeknight favorite that tastes like something you’d order out.
Give it a try and let it become part of your dinner rotation. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you — leave a rating, drop a comment, or share a photo on Instagram or Pinterest. You’ll find me at @elon_recipes and Pinterest.