Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken in the oven.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the tomato and mozzarella topping: Remove the skillet from heat and evenly distribute the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture over the chicken breasts.
- 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.
- 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