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If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that feels both comforting and elegant, you’ve just found your new favorite. This One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts bathed in a tangy-sweet balsamic sauce, topped with bursts of fresh grape tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all baked to perfection in a single skillet. It’s an absolute winner on busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, combining simplicity and irresistible taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, simple ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich balsamic vinegar that delivers a tangy depth, to the fresh mozzarella that melts into creamy goodness, providing luscious texture and color.
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: This adds a sweet and tangy base for the sauce that flavors the chicken beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp. honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a subtle natural sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp. avocado or olive oil: Provides a smooth and healthy fat to help cook the chicken evenly and develop a golden crust.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that deepens the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard: Adds layers of sharpness and complexity to the balsamic sauce.
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts that brighten the dish with fresh acidity and color.
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls): Creamy, tender, and melty, providing a luscious contrast to the tangy sauce.
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil: Herbaceous and bright, it complements the tomatoes and cheese perfectly.
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness: Ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil: For searing the chicken to a crispy, golden crust without burning.
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: Essential for seasoning that brings all the flavors to life.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, avocado or olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Add salt and fresh black pepper to taste. This sauce is your star player—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that will coat the chicken in the most delicious way. Set it aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Toss the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
In a separate bowl, gently combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to enhance their fresh flavors. This mixture adds refreshing bursts of juiciness and creamy richness that will melt beautifully over the chicken later on.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado or another high-heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the pounded chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet in a single layer, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until it gains a golden brown crust. This quick sear locks in juices and creates flavor-packed caramelized edges.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Add Tomato Mozzarella Topping
Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. It should begin to gently simmer, so use a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the pan bottom—this deepens the flavor even more. Quickly remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, letting the cheese nestle in snugly on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the whole skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the mozzarella is softened and slightly melted. Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes—this final pause lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes! Sprinkle a little more fresh basil over the top just before serving for a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A light drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar or some cracked black pepper can add an elegant finishing touch that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken, while creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy couscous soak up the luscious balsamic sauce beautifully. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also make fantastic companions, rounding out a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation that wows guests, serve the chicken straight from the skillet placed on a rustic wooden board and garnish with whole basil leaves. Alternatively, plate each chicken breast individually with a drizzle of the pan sauce, fresh tomato slices, and some mozzarella pearls scattered around for a refined look that feels effortlessly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making for a fantastic next-day meal when reheated gently.
Freezing
While fresh mozzarella is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken with the balsamic sauce for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. For best results, add fresh tomatoes and mozzarella after reheating rather than freezing them cooked, so you keep their texture and flavor vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, covering it to warm through evenly without drying the chicken. Add a touch of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. If you froze the chicken separately, add fresh tomato and mozzarella just before serving to keep the fresh, creamy elements intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully as they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy. If your breasts are already uniform or thin, you can skip this step, but uneven thickness might cause some parts to dry out.
What type of balsamic vinegar is best?
Use a good-quality balsamic vinegar that balances acidity with natural sweetness. Avoid overly cheap vinegars with harsh flavors, as they affect the overall taste of your sauce.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the mozzarella or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful without the creamy cheese topping.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Recipe is truly a showstopper that’s as joyful to cook as it is to eat. It brings fresh, bold flavors together effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for anyone craving a wholesome, vibrant meal with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your go-to dinner rotation—you’re going to love every bite!
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe delivers a deliciously tangy and savory meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful balsamic honey glaze, accompanied by fresh grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Perfectly cooked in a single oven-safe skillet, this recipe combines easy preparation with impressive flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
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
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Tomato Mozzarella
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season the mixture with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Tomato Mozzarella Mixture: In a separate bowl, gently toss the halved grape tomatoes with the fresh mozzarella balls and finely chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. Set this mixture aside to keep fresh until ready to use.
- Preheat and Sear the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado or other high-heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the chicken breasts all over with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Place them in the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they develop a light golden-brown crust.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. The sauce should begin to simmer quickly. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate extra flavor. Immediately remove the skillet from heat.
- Add Tomato Mozzarella and Bake: Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken. Serve warm, spooning the tomato and mozzarella topping alongside the balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transition from stovetop to oven without transferring chicken.
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Fresh mozzarella can be drained on paper towels if it’s very wet to prevent excess moisture.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar and honey quantities to balance tartness and sweetness according to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
