Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try this one pan balsamic chicken everyone is obsessed with! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar with minimal effort. I first made this when my sister showed up unannounced for dinner – talk about a lifesaver! The tangy balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully while the chicken stays juicy, and those roasted cherry tomatoes? Absolute perfection.
What I love most (besides only washing one pan) is how the garlic and herbs perfume your whole kitchen. My neighbor actually knocked on my door last time I made it asking what smelled so amazing! It’s become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something fancy-tasting without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why people go crazy for it.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Let me count the ways this dish will become your new weeknight hero:
- One pan magic: Less dishes = more happiness. Seriously, who wants to scrub pots after dinner?
- Ready in 35 minutes: Faster than takeout, but tastes like you spent hours cooking
- Flavor explosion: That sweet-tangy balsamic glaze? It’ll make you want to lick the pan (I won’t judge)
- Healthy without trying: Packed with lean protein and veggies – your body will thank you
- Foolproof: Even my 12-year-old nephew nailed this on his first try
Basically, it’s everything you want in a meal – simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken – about 6 oz each (pound them to even thickness if they’re super thick)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar – the good stuff makes a difference!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – extra virgin for maximum flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but 1 tsp jarred works in a pinch
- 1 tsp dried oregano – rub it between your fingers to wake up the oils
- 1 tsp dried basil – same trick as the oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for even seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – the sweet ones burst beautifully
- 1/2 red onion, sliced – thin slices caramelize so nicely
- Fresh basil for garnish – optional but oh-so-pretty
See? Nothing fancy – just good ingredients working their magic together. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into making this beauty! The process is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes. Just follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken in no time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first – grab that bowl and whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This marinade is liquid gold, I’m telling you! Now toss your chicken in there, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them hang out for about 10 minutes – just enough time for the flavors to say hello without making dinner late. Pro tip: While you wait, prep your tomatoes and onion. Multitasking win!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat – you want it nice and hot. Carefully add the chicken (save that marinade!) and listen to that beautiful sizzle. Sear for about 3 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Don’t peek too soon – let the magic happen! The searing locks in all those juices so your chicken stays moist and tender.
Step 3: Bake with Vegetables
Now the fun part! Scatter those halved cherry tomatoes and red onion slices around the chicken. Pour any remaining marinade over everything – yes, even over the veggies! Slide the whole skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the tomatoes have burst into juicy little flavor bombs. The smell? Absolutely intoxicating.
When it comes out, let it rest for 5 minutes (I know, torture!) before garnishing with fresh basil. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite is perfect. Now dig in and prepare for the compliments!
Tips for Perfect One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Want to take your balsamic chicken from good to “OMG I need this recipe”? Here are my hard-earned kitchen secrets:
- Fresh herbs FTW: Swap dried basil and oregano for fresh if you’ve got them – triple the amount for that bright, vibrant flavor
- Chicken thickness matters: Pound uneven to 1-inch thickness so they cook evenly (use a rolling pin or heavy pan if you don’t have a meat mallet)
- Don’t crowd the pan: If your skillet’s small, cook in batches – overcrowding steams instead of sears
- Deglaze like a pro: After baking, scrape up those delicious browned bits with a splash of chicken broth for an instant pan sauce
- Tomato trick: Use a mix of colors – yellow and red cherry tomatoes make it look extra fancy with zero extra work
Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have everyone begging for seconds!
Serving Suggestions for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
This chicken shines all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it for maximum deliciousness:
- Crusty bread: Essential for soaking up that incredible balsamic pan sauce – I’m partial to a warm baguette
- Simple salad: Arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly
- Creamy polenta: Makes it feel extra cozy on chilly nights
- Roasted potatoes: When you want something heartier (just roast them first then use the same pan!)
Honestly though? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the skillet – no shame in my game!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store this balsamic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, I like to use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes – keeps everything juicy. The microwave works in a pinch, but cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Pro tip: The flavors actually get better overnight as the balsamic mellows!
One Pan Balsamic Chicken Variations
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Try swapping in mushrooms instead of tomatoes for an earthy twist, or toss in a handful of spinach during the last 5 minutes of baking. My neighbor adds sliced zucchini sometimes – genius! If you’re feeling fancy, crumble some goat cheese over the top before serving. The possibilities are endless, but no matter what you add, that tangy balsamic magic makes everything taste amazing.
Nutritional Information for One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Here’s the skinny on this flavor-packed dish (per serving):
- 280 calories – light but satisfying
- 35g protein – hello, lean muscle fuel!
- 8g carbs – mostly from those sweet tomatoes
- 10g fat – the good kind from olive oil
Now, full disclosure – these numbers can wiggle a bit depending on your exact ingredients. Used a bigger chicken breast? Added extra olive oil? No worries! It’s still way healthier than takeout. The best part? It tastes so indulgent you’ll forget you’re eating something good for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this one pan balsamic chicken all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of ?
Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Just increase the baking time by 5-7 minutes since they’re thicker. The skin-on variety gets wonderfully crispy too – just pat them dry before searing.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
10 minutes is perfect for quick weeknights, but if you’ve got time, let it go up to 2 hours in the fridge. Any longer and the vinegar can start to “cook” the chicken (not dangerous, just changes the texture).
My sauce is too thin – how can I thicken it?
After baking, transfer everything to a plate and simmer the pan juices for 2-3 minutes until syrupy. Or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, stir it in, and simmer until thickened. Easy fix!
Can I make this ahead?
You bet! Prep the marinade and chop veggies up to a day in advance. When ready to cook, just sear and bake as directed. The flavors actually improve as they mingle!
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Sear in any pan, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step. You might lose some delicious pan drippings, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Did you make this one pan balsamic chicken everyone’s obsessed with? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a quick note in the comments below – was it as easy as I promised? Did your family go crazy for it like mine does? Your feedback helps me create more recipes you’ll love (and helps other readers too!). And hey, if you snapped a photo, share it with me! There’s nothing I love more than seeing your kitchen creations. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
35-Min One Pan Balsamic Chicken That Steals Hearts Instantly
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan balsamic chicken dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with taste.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken with the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side.
- Add cherry tomatoes and red onion around the chicken.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs if available for better flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: one pan balsamic chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy dinner