This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a tasty way to enjoy a wholesome meal without the fuss. The chicken is cooked to juicy perfection with colorful veggies and a flavorful balsamic glaze!
When I’m short on time, I whip this up and serve it with rice or crusty bread. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even turkey breasts if available.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a nice tangy sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a touch of sugar can work as a substitute.
Cherry Tomatoes: They bring freshness and vibrant color. If cherry tomatoes aren’t on hand, diced tomatoes or even sundried tomatoes can fill in, but adjust cooking time for different types.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love fresh mozzarella for its creaminess, but shredded mozzarella or provolone can also be excellent choices. Vegan cheese works as a substitute too!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked Without Drying It Out?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is key to this dish’s success. Here are some tips to ensure the chicken stays juicy:
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t skip the searing step! This helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- Covering the skillet while the cheese melts helps retain steam, which keeps the chicken moist.
- If you’re concerned about dry chicken, consider brining the breasts in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking.
By following these tips, you’ll serve up a delicious, juicy balsamic chicken every time!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese or about 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one pan meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dinner option. With just one pan to clean up afterward, you’ll also save time on washing dishes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
Start by preheating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. This adds a fantastic flavor to your chicken!
3. Sear the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey (if you want a touch of sweetness). Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add the Chicken and Tomatoes:
Now, return your cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken. This will make everything juicy and flavorful!
6. Cheese It Up:
Place the mozzarella slices or sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. The cheese will melt wonderfully over the chicken.
7. Final Cooking:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will help melt the cheese and soften the tomatoes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Serve your balsamic chicken dinner hot, spooning some of the delicious pan sauce and tomatoes over the top. Enjoy with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables!
This meal is not only easy but also impressively delicious. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and ease of preparation!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the dish and are less likely to dry out. Just ensure they are cooked through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of sugar for sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine everything in the skillet, top with cheese, and heat until warm and bubbly.
