Description
This Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy balsamic vinegar and honey glaze, topped with fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Prepared in a single oven-safe skillet, this recipe combines searing and baking techniques for a simple, yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Sauce 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
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Tomato and Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
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
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix the tomato and cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they develop a light golden brown crust. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken, bringing it quickly to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to deepen the flavor.
- Add the tomato mozzarella topping: Remove the skillet from heat immediately and spoon the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake the chicken: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as a cast iron or stainless steel pan to transition directly from stovetop to oven smoothly.
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture that melts beautifully with the warm tomatoes and basil.
- Carefully monitor the baking time to avoid overcooking the chicken, which could make it dry.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or pasta to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American