Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using thighs for extra juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes can work too. Just drain them a bit to avoid extra moisture.

Balsamic Vinegar: This gives a delicious tangy kick! If you need a substitute, red wine vinegar can work but use a little less, as it’s more acidic. You could also try apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.

Fresh Mozzarella: I love using fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture. If that’s not available, regular shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend will do fine too.

How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked?

To make sure your chicken is juicy and cooked right, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Also, avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on it during the simmering step. Cooking for about 8-10 minutes should do the trick depending on your chicken’s thickness.

• Season chicken well before cooking for great flavor.
• Cook the chicken until golden brown, then let it rest outside the pan to retain juices.
• Always cover your skillet while simmering to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.

Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce and Veggies:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Topping:

• 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure every piece is nicely coated!

2. Brown the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

4. Make the Sauce:

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, and use a spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces and becomes more concentrated.

5. Add Tomatoes and Chicken Back:

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and return the chicken breasts to the pan. Make sure to spoon some of the sauce and tomatoes over the chicken to enhance the flavor.

6. Simmer:

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on medium-low heat for about 8-10 minutes. This will cook the chicken through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Melt the Cheese:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and top each breast with pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

8. Serve:

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Spoon extra sauce and tomatoes over the chicken for a nice presentation and flavor boost. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Quick, easy, and filled with flavor, this Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

FAQ for Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken Dinner

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely first to ensure even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quick method, place it in a sealed plastic bag and soak it in cold water until thawed.

What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?

If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as substitutes. Just use a little less than the recipe calls for, as these vinegars are more acidic. You can also add a touch of honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness of balsamic.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply cook everything up to the point of adding the mozzarella; then, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the skillet and add the cheese for melting.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.