Homemade One Pan Balsamic Chicken

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This Homemade One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a mouthwatering fusion of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that come together in under 30 minutes. With juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection, fresh cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor, creamy mozzarella, and a rich balsamic glaze, this dish feels indulgent while being incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort without the hassle, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

What makes this dish a standout is how effortlessly it delivers on taste and presentation. Everything cooks in one pan, allowing the ingredients to soak up each other’s flavors while minimizing clean-up. The bubbling balsamic reduction mixed with melting cheese and vibrant herbs creates an irresistible aroma and a look that’s as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• It’s a complete meal in one pan—less mess, more flavor.
• The balsamic glaze adds a gourmet touch with minimal effort.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, but fancy enough to serve guests.
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this dish seamlessly, a few tools make all the difference. A large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan is essential—this will allow you to sear the chicken and finish the dish in the oven if needed. Use tongs to flip the chicken easily, and a meat thermometer helps ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked (165°F internal temperature). A small saucepan may be used if you want to prepare the balsamic glaze separately. Lastly, a sharp chef’s knife is crucial for prepping herbs and tomatoes with precision.

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Preparation Tips

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it sear beautifully without steaming. If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally for even cooking. Let the balsamic vinegar reduce slowly to avoid burning, and add a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity. Use fresh mozzarella for best melting texture, and always finish with fresh basil to lift the flavors. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute evenly.

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Ingredients for this Homemade One Pan Balsamic Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally for 4 thinner cutlets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or about 4 oz)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

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Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

In the same pan, pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). Stir and allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened into a glaze.

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Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Return Chicken to Pan

Add cherry tomatoes to the pan and let them blister slightly in the glaze for 2 minutes. Then return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it among the tomatoes.

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Step 5: Add Mozzarella & Melt

Top each piece of chicken with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the cheese to melt—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.

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Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish just before serving. Serve hot with the glaze spooned over the chicken and tomatoes. Enjoy it as-is or pair it with pasta, quinoa, or crusty bread.

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Notes

For best results, use high-quality balsamic vinegar—aged versions bring out deeper, richer flavors. If you prefer a bit more sweetness in your glaze, adjust the honey to taste. Fresh mozzarella is essential here; avoid pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt as smoothly. This dish is also flexible—feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or even red onions for variation.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Thin cutlets cook quickly; keep an eye on them to prevent dryness.
• Using poor-quality vinegar: Cheap balsamic can taste sharp or bitter. Aged balsamic balances the flavors.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the chicken rest ensures juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
• Crowding the pan: This lowers the temperature and causes steaming instead of searing.
• Melting cheese too fast: High heat can cause mozzarella to break down. Cover or broil gently.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken (without tomatoes or cheese) for up to 2 months, then thaw and reassemble with fresh toppings when ready.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~390 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of mozzarella?

Fresh provolone, burrata, or even goat cheese makes a good alternative.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely—just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan mozzarella.

How do I know when the balsamic glaze is done?

It should be slightly thick and coat the back of a spoon without being syrupy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and glaze ahead, then assemble and heat when ready to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your balsamic vinegar and other seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with it?

It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grill the seasoned chicken separately, then combine with the glaze and toppings in a pan.

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Conclusion

Homemade One Pan Balsamic Chicken brings together the magic of simple ingredients in one pan for a bold, comforting, and elegant meal. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is a weeknight winner that also shines on the weekend table. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want something satisfying without the stress, this dish has you covered.

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