Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a tangy balsamic sauce, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, it’s a delicious dish that comes together in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1/3 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
• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, toss the grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil together. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
4. Step 4: Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour the balsamic sauce mixture over the chicken, allowing it to come to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Step 6: Remove the pan from heat immediately and spread the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• Try substituting fresh basil with fresh oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh mozzarella pearls for easier melting and a nice presentation.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The mozzarella may not be as fresh after reheating but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs or tenders can be used instead of breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the mozzarella or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 760 reviews

A flavorful and easy Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked with a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce, topped with fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This dish is cooked on the stovetop and finished in the oven for a perfectly moist and savory meal ready in just 45 minutes.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce

• 1/3 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

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 fresh black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture: In a separate bowl, combine halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken in the oven.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or other high-heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is lightly golden brown.
5. Add the balsamic sauce: Pour the prepared balsamic mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet. The sauce will quickly begin to simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, integrating them into the sauce.
6. Add the tomato and mozzarella topping: Remove the skillet from heat and evenly distribute the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture over the chicken breasts.
7. Bake the chicken: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese will melt and the tomatoes will soften, blending flavors beautifully.
8. Rest before serving: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
• Pounding the chicken breasts to even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• The balsamic glaze adds a delicious balance of sweet and tangy that pairs wonderfully with the fresh tomato and mozzarella topping.
• Feel free to substitute fresh basil with dried Italian herbs if fresh is unavailable, but fresh is preferred for best flavor.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, one pan chicken recipe, baked chicken with tomatoes and mozzarella, easy healthy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken meal