Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work perfectly. They’re a bit juicier and need less pounding. Just check for doneness after 7 to 10 minutes of baking.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink.

Can I make this ahead or meal prep it?

Absolutely. Cook it, cool it, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and it’ll taste just as delicious.

One Pan Balsamic Chicken | Amazing Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Name: One Pan Balsamic Chicken | Amazing Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: **For the Balsamic Sauce:**; 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; Salt and pepper, to taste; **For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:**; 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls); 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; Salt and pepper, to taste; **For the Chicken:**; 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 2 Tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil; Kosher salt and black pepper

Description

Juicy oven baked chicken breasts in a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze topped with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. A simple, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and fresh — perfect for easy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

**For the Balsamic Sauce:**

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

Salt and pepper, to taste

**For the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:**

8 oz grape tomatoes, halved

8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)

2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

**For the Chicken:**

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

2 Tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil

Kosher salt and black pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk together all balsamic sauce ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.

2. In another bowl, toss together grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F.

4. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.

6. Pour in balsamic sauce. Stir to combine and scrape up any brown bits.

7. Remove skillet from heat and top chicken with tomato mozzarella mixture.

8. Bake uncovered for 18–23 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Notes

Use ciliegine mozzarella (cut in half) or mozzarella pearls (no cutting needed).

Pound chicken evenly for faster, more even cooking.

Original version (before 2023) used soy sauce, tomato sauce, and lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar.

Substitute boneless chicken thighs for an extra juicy result; check doneness after 7–10 minutes.

For added flavor, drizzle with a little balsamic reduction before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner Recipes
Method: Stovetop sear + oven bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (~6 oz)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 9.4 g
Sodium: 530.2 mg
Fat: 17.2 g
Saturated Fat: 5.6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10.3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11.6 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Protein: 40.3 g
Cholesterol: 93.5 mg