Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Recipe
This Balsamic Glazed One Pan Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with a tangy balsamic honey glaze, fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Prepared in a single oven-safe skillet and finished in the oven, it offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with vibrant fresh ingredients, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp oil (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 & 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
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture: In another bowl, gently toss halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken. The sauce should quickly simmer; use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the pan bottom to incorporate flavor.
- Add toppings: Remove the skillet from heat immediately and evenly distribute the tomato and mozzarella mixture 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 (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and maximize flavor.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to transition easily from stovetop searing to baking without transferring the chicken.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
- Fresh basil adds bright herbaceous notes; if unavailable, substitute with fresh parsley or omit.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, one pan chicken, baked chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dinner, mozzarella and tomato chicken, healthy chicken dinner