This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is a tasty meal made with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tangy balsamic sauce—all cooked in just one pan! How easy is that?
You’ll love how simple clean-up is after dinner! Just toss everything in the pan, let it bake, and enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss. It’s a winner for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. For a change, you can use thighs for extra flavor or even turkey breasts. They’ll work just fine!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If you don’t have them, diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes can offer a tasty twist.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is key for that tangy flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the taste will vary slightly.
Fresh Mozzarella: It gives a creamy texture when melted. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella or even provolone can do the trick.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Sear and Cook?
Getting that perfect sear on your chicken can really elevate your dish. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil; this helps the chicken brown nicely.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side without moving it too much. Flip it only when it’s golden brown.
- After searing, let the chicken rest off the heat for a minute before adding it back into the sauce. This keeps it juicy!
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs or dried basil
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-40 minutes to cook. All total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and sprinkle them evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. This adds lots of flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This helps lock in the flavors.
4. Remove the Chicken:
After searing, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This will give you space to prepare the sauce.
5. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
6. Create the Sauce:
Add the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and dried herbs to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Return the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to bring the chicken back to the skillet! Place it on top of the tomatoes, making sure to spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
8. Add the Mozzarella:
Top each chicken breast with slices or pieces of fresh mozzarella. This will melt beautifully in the oven!
9. Bake:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is all melty and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve up your easy one-pan balsamic chicken dinner while it’s warm and enjoy!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper searing. If using frozen, ensure to thaw them first—either in the fridge overnight or by using the cold water method in a sealed bag. This way, they will sear nicely!
Can I Substitute the Cherry Tomatoes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cherry tomatoes on hand, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Just remember that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on what you choose!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables!
