Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls); 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped; 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 2 tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s both light and satisfying. The balsamic sauce adds richness without being heavy, while the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella bring brightness and creaminess. I also love that it’s a versatile dish—I can serve it over pasta, rice, or salad depending on my mood. Plus, since it’s all cooked in one pan, I spend less time cleaning up.

Ingredients

Sauce
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. oil, such as avocado or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Tomato Mozzarella
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 fresh black pepper

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make the sauce.
I season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat avocado oil over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I pour in the balsamic sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
I return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
I top the chicken with grape tomatoes and mozzarella balls, then cover the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese begins to soften.
I sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs when I want more juiciness. I also like adding a splash of chicken stock to the sauce for extra depth. If I want more veggies, I sauté spinach or zucchini in the skillet before adding the chicken back. For a Caprese-style twist, I drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the finished dish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. The mozzarella may soften more when reheated, but the flavors stay delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, I often use thighs for extra tenderness and flavor, but the cooking time may be slightly longer.

Do I need to pound the chicken breasts?

Yes, I like pounding them to even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil right before serving.

What can I serve with this recipe?

I love pairing it with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the sauce.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of mozzarella balls?

Yes, I can slice fresh mozzarella into small pieces and use it the same way.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

I make sure not to overcook it and let the balsamic sauce coat it while simmering to lock in moisture.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, but I prefer fresh basil for its bright flavor. If using dried, I add it to the sauce instead of sprinkling at the end.

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?

Yes, maple syrup works as a natural sweetener with a slightly different flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, I sometimes add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to make it heartier.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

I love making One Pan Balsamic Chicken because it’s quick, flavorful, and elegant without being complicated. The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze pairs perfectly with juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, making it a dish I enjoy serving for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.