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One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

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This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining juicy chicken breasts with a tangy balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Prepared in a single oven-safe skillet and finished in the oven, this meal offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with minimal cleanup and in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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

Chicken and Toppings

  • 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil
  • 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture: In a separate bowl, combine halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and topping.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and black pepper. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
  5. Add the balsamic sauce: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. It should quickly come to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor into the sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately after.
  6. Add tomato and mozzarella topping: Evenly distribute the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts in the skillet.
  7. Bake the chicken: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Make sure to pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel to transition from stovetop to oven easily.
  • Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking.
  • Fresh basil can be replaced with fresh parsley or oregano for a different herb flavor.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread to complete the meal.