One Pan Balsamic Chicken

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and fresh mozzarella creates a delightful dish that’s not only flavorful but also packed with nutrition. With its high protein content and gluten-free ingredients, this dish meets various dietary needs while being easy to prepare. Enjoy this aromatic chicken as a centerpiece for your dinner table, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 41 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Flavorful: The balance of tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet honey ensures a deliciously complex flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Nutritious: With 61g of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle gain and overall health.
• Versatile: Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice to create a complete meal.
• One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks in one pan, leaving you more time to relax.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in preparing your One Pan Balsamic Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large oven-safe skillet: Allows you to sear the chicken perfectly before transferring it to the oven without needing additional dishes.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout your dish.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make this One Pan Balsamic Chicken, gather your ingredients:

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Chicken

• 2 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, pounded to even thickness)
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

For Topping

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly when placed in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Balsamic vinegar
2. Honey
3. Olive oil
4. Minced garlic
5. Italian seasoning
6. Onion powder
7. Garlic powder
8. Dijon mustard

Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping Mixture

In another bowl, tear mozzarella into pieces by hand. Add halved grape tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with sea salt and black pepper, then toss everything together.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil until hot. Season chicken breasts with sea salt and black pepper before adding them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Combine Marinade with Chicken

Pour the balsamic vinegar mixture over the browned chicken. Allow it to come to a simmer while scraping any browning from the pan’s bottom for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Remove from heat and cover the chicken with the mozzarella mixture prepared earlier. Place in the preheated oven uncovered for about 18-23 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step 7: Serve

Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before serving your delicious One Pan Balsamic Chicken! Enjoy this delightful dish warm with your favorite sides!

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Its flavorful profile and appealing presentation make it a standout meal for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the tangy flavors of the chicken.

Serve Over Rice

• Fluffy white or brown rice acts as a perfect base, soaking up the delicious balsamic sauce for added flavor in every bite.

Accompany with Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side to mop up the juices, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the tender chicken.

Garnish with Extra Basil

• Fresh basil not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a fragrant touch that elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken

To ensure you achieve the best results with your One Pan Balsamic Chicken, consider these helpful tips for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking throughout, preventing dry edges while the inside remains juicy.
• Marinate for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken to sit in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking enhances its taste significantly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried alternatives.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain its juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Pairing sides with your One Pan Balsamic Chicken can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich complement to the dish.
2. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds both color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables offers a refreshing balance to the hearty chicken.
4. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that nicely contrasts the softness of the chicken.
5. Cauliflower Rice – Light and fluffy cauliflower rice serves as a low-carb alternative, allowing you to enjoy more of that delectable sauce.
6. Zucchini Noodles – These spiralized veggies provide a fun, healthy twist and soak up all the flavors from the balsamic mixture beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pan Balsamic Chicken, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper generously before cooking.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat the oven can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven reaches 400°F before placing the skillet inside.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold chicken or cheese can affect cooking time. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
• Ignoring the Resting Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can lead to juice loss. Allow it to rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed, and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a tangy balsamic vinegar sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.

How do I make One Pan Balsamic Chicken gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure your broth and other condiments are also gluten-free.

Can I customize the ingredients in One Pan Balsamic Chicken?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition or swap out mozzarella for another cheese you enjoy.

How do I know when my One Pan Balsamic Chicken is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. With its cheesy, tangy flavor profile and high protein content, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs, and enjoy this nutritious dish that satisfies every palate!