One-Pan Juicy Chicken with Balsamic Sauce

Long, busy days can often leave us yearning for a simple yet delicious meal to bring comfort and flavor into our homes. That’s where One-Pan Juicy Chicken with Balsamic Sauce comes in! This dish beautifully marries tender chicken breasts with vibrant cherry tomatoes and gooey mozzarella, all coated in a tangy balsamic sauce. It’s an easy enough recipe for weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a family gathering. Trust me—I’ve made this countless times and it has never failed to delight!

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are so many reasons to love this one-pan wonder. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights. You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, which means you’re just a short while away from dinner bliss! Also, with just a handful of ingredients, this meal is budget-friendly while still feeling gourmet.

You’ll delight in the rich, tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar paired with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, balancing out the savory chicken perfectly. Plus, this dish is a crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress.

"Easy to follow, impressive taste! This dish has quickly become a family favorite—just perfect for those busy nights!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to dive in? Making One-Pan Juicy Chicken with Balsamic Sauce is a straightforward process that even novice cooks will find enjoyable. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll start by cooking the chicken, then add the balsamic sauce and tomatoes—creating layers of flavor with minimal fuss. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring this delicious dish in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this tasty recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

(If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute the mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese or skip it altogether!)

Cooking Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in the balsamic vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them simmer for about 5 minutes, or until they soften beautifully.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, and top each breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low until the cheese melts, creating a delightful gooey layer on top.
8. Finish off with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Best Way to Serve

One-Pan Juicy Chicken with Balsamic Sauce is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the wonderful sauce. Want more freshness? Toss together a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added color and health benefits.

Storage Tips

Planning to enjoy leftovers? This dish is great for meal prep! Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Pro Chef Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar for a few hours before cooking.
• Make sure to scrape all the brown bits from the pan when adding the balsamic vinegar—this is where so much flavor comes from!
• Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this recipe. Swap the cherry tomatoes for other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Want a kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice!

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare?

This dish takes about 30 minutes in total, making it a perfect weeknight meal!

Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets would work well, although adjust the cooking time accordingly for larger pieces.

How should I store leftovers safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat them thoroughly to ensure food safety!

One-Pan Juicy Chicken with Balsamic Sauce

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, all coated in a tangy balsamic sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them simmer for about 5 minutes until softened.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and top each breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover the skillet and cook on low until the cheese melts.
8. Finish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar for a few hours before cooking. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken, balsamic sauce, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, easy recipe