This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is the ultimate weeknight meal! Juicy chicken is cooked with tender veggies, all bathed in a tangy balsamic sauce that makes every bite tasty.
You’ll love how simple it is to clean up since everything cooks in one pan. I like serving it with rice or bread to soak up that delicious sauce—it’s a win-win! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. They may need a slightly longer cooking time.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a wonderful tanginess. If you’re out, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar, but you might want to add a little sugar to mimic the sweetness of balsamic.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and freshness. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes will work, but be sure to cook them a bit longer to break them down.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love the creamy texture it brings. For a different flavor, you can use provolone or even shredded mozzarella, which melts nicely too.
Fresh Basil: This is a lovely addition that brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried Italian herbs can give a nice flavor instead, but use them sparingly.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
To ensure the chicken is both juicy and flavorful, follow these key steps:
- Marinade or Season: Season the chicken well before cooking. The spices add depth to the flavor.
- Sear It Right: Searing on each side for about 5 minutes gives it a nice color and locks in moisture.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This prevents dryness.
- Cover While Cooking: When you cover the pan, it creates steam that helps keep the chicken moist while cooking through.
Remember, patience pays off with this dish! Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious meal that comes from it.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella, or about 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner takes approximately 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and seasoning the chicken, then around 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but tasty enough for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over each chicken breast, making sure they’re well coated.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or a cast iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown, but not completely cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, and spoon some of the sauce and tomatoes over the top of the chicken.
6. Finish Cooking:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F indicates it’s ready.
7. Add the Cheese:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and place a slice of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Cover the pan again and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted nicely.
8. Serve It Up:
Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful meal that pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be juicier. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time if necessary—thighs may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce on the stove as directed, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set to 375°F. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature. Just remember to use an oven-safe pan!
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar can be a good substitute. You might want to add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity, as balsamic vinegar is sweeter. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
