Snack On Meat

You are here: Home / Chicken / One Pan Balsamic Basil Chicken

One Pan Balsamic Basil Chicken

This One Pan Balsamic Basil Chicken is a favorite dinner recipe, offering a perfect balance of flavors. It’s quick, easy to make, and ideal for year-round enjoyment. The chicken breast is seared on the stovetop with a homemade balsamic sauce, then topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and finished in the oven for a deliciously satisfying meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or any side that can soak up the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

  • For the balsamic sauce:
    • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tbsp honey
    • 2 tbsp avocado oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • For the chicken and topping:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
    • Fresh basil leaves
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs cook faster than chicken breasts. Check for doneness after 7-10 minutes. The thighs will be juicier and more tender than chicken breasts, so there’s no need to pound them.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Basil Chicken:

  1. Prepare the balsamic sauce:
    In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, avocado oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the tomato, mozzarella, and basil topping:
    In a separate bowl, toss together grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Set aside.
  3. Sear the chicken:
    Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken until lightly golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Add the balsamic sauce:
    Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Top with tomatoes and mozzarella:
    Top the chicken with the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture.
  6. Bake in the oven:
    Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the mozzarella is melted.
  7. Serve:
    Serve hot with your favorite side, such as cheesy mashed potatoes, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this one-pan balsamic chicken with any of these side dishes to soak up the delicious sauce:

  • Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
  • Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
  • Pineapple Rice
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Egg Noodles
  • Quinoa

This dish is a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and fresh, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special dinners!

Let me know if you’d like any other adjustments to the recipe!

One Pan Balsamic Basil Chicken
Print

One Pan Balsamic Basil Chicken

Recipe by snackonmeat
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner, made with simple ingredients and a few easy steps. The chicken is seared in a rich balsamic sauce, topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then baked to perfection.

Ingredients

  • For the Balsamic Sauce:

  • 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

  • For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:

  • 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)

  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

  • For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or another high-heat oil)

  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

  • Make the Balsamic Sauce:
  • In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:
  • In a separate bowl, toss together the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • Heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat in a large, oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are lightly golden brown.
  • Add the Balsamic Sauce:
  • Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken. It should quickly come to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
  • Top with Tomato Mozzarella:
  • Remove the pan from the heat and spoon the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
  • Bake:
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.