This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a quick and tasty dish! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a sweet tangy balsamic sauce all cooked together in one pan—how easy is that?
Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup! I love to serve it with rice or pasta, soaking up all those delicious flavors. You’ll impress everyone without the fuss! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs instead for more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a bit longer.
Balsamic Vinegar: A key player for that tangy flavor! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, though the taste will vary a bit. Just remember, balsamic has a lovely sweetness to it!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes—just drain them first. You could also substitute with grape tomatoes if you can’t find cherries.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is optional, but I find a touch of sweetness really balances the dish. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could use a sugar substitute that dissolves well.
Fresh Mozzarella: For the best creaminess, fresh mozzarella is fantastic, but if you have shredded mozzarella or even provolone on hand, they will work just fine. Just adjust the amount to taste!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken to a perfect golden brown while keeping it juicy is super important. Here’s how:
- Start with dry chicken breasts; this helps with browning. Pat them with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken. This will give it a nice crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- After searing, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful bite.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one pan meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 20-25 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your dinner in about 40 minutes—quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This not only adds flavor but makes them look nice and vibrant!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Create the Balsamic Sauce:
In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth. If you chose to add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, now’s the time! Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift any deliciously browned bits from the chicken. This will add great flavor to your sauce!
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. The tomatoes will release their juices, beautifully mixing with the balsamic sauce.
5. Return the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce and tomatoes over the top of each piece. Now, add the slices or pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. Yum!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. This step infuses the chicken with delicious cheesy goodness.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for garnish. Serve warm, making sure to spoon some extra balsamic sauce and tomatoes over the chicken. It’s perfect with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all that amazing flavor. Enjoy your meal!
This simple one pan meal combines the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar with juicy tomatoes and melty mozzarella for a delightful, effortless dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be more tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can work, although the flavor will vary. You might want to add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the acidity since balsamic is naturally sweeter.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese and storing it in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. Just reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, then add the cheese to melt before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, ensuring the chicken remains moist—add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it from drying out!
