One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Savory balsamic chicken cooked in one pan with vegetables, delivering a simple, flavorful meal that's easy to prepare and clean up. Perfect for busy weeknights.

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
• Fresh black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whip Up the Balsamic Sauce Combine your balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Whisk them together until they're well mixed and season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. This lovely concoction will be your flavorful glaze. Set it aside for the magic later.

2. Step 2: Toss the Tomato-Mozzarella Medley In another bowl, gently combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors. This mixture is like a little piece of summer in a bowl. Set aside, letting those flavors mingle.

3. Step 3: Crank Up the Oven Preheat your oven to a warm and cozy 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's ready to create that perfect bake on your chicken.

4. Step 4: Sear the Chicken In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. While waiting, season your chicken breasts with a touch of salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is ready, lay the chicken in the pan in a single layer. Sear each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until they reach a light golden hue. The goal here is a lovely crust that locks in juiciness.

5. Step 5: Simmer with the Sauce Pour the balsamic sauce mixture over the seared chicken. It should bubble gently as it simmers. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape any delicious browned bits from the pan's bottom, infusing the sauce with extra flavor.

6. Step 6: Add Freshness After you've combined all those flavors, remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter your tomato-mozzarella medley over the chicken. This step is where the dish starts to look as good as it will taste.

7. Step 7: Bake to Perfection Slide the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 18 to 23 minutes. Keep an eye on it, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked. This is when the topping melds into the chicken, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

8. Step 8: Let It Rest Once out of the oven, let your dish sit for about 5 minutes. This brief rest allows the juices to settle back into the chicken, making each bite tender and succulent. Now you're all set to serve and enjoy!

Notes

A common pitfall in crafting this delightful dish is neglecting to pound the chicken to an even thickness. Uneven chicken means uneven cooking, leading to dry edges and undercooked centers. Remember, a little effort with the meat mallet can save your dinner!

Another hiccup is overheating the oil. If your oil begins to smoke, it can alter the flavor of the dish. Aim for shimmering, not smoking, oil in your pan.

Lastly, don’t forget the step of simmering the balsamic sauce before baking. That quick simmer is crucial for melding flavors and scraping up those tasty brown bits. Give it a moment to bubble before diving into the bake.