If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is easy to clean up, One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is about to be your new obsession. Juicy chicken breasts, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy-sweet balsamic, and the freshness of basil and parsley all come together with barely any fuss, and it’s so delicious you’ll be scraping the skillet for every drop of sauce. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or hoping to impress on a date night, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and herby notes in every bite, all made in just a single pan.

One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One-Pan Balsamic Chicken lies in a handful of wholesome, flavorful ingredients that do all the heavy lifting. Each element brings something unique—whether it’s brightness, depth, or texture—so you get a truly memorable bite every time.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the hearty backbone of this dish, soaking up all those wonderful balsamic juices.
Olive oil: A couple tablespoons for searing and sautéing—the secret to a perfectly golden exterior on the chicken.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
Black pepper: Brings just the right touch of heat and earthiness.
Dried Italian seasoning: The blend that ties it all together, infusing every bite with aromatic herbs.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its irresistible depth and warmth.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness and sweetness burst into the sauce, forming the colorful base of this meal.
Red onion: Adds a touch of sweetness, crunch, and gorgeous color once sautéed.
Balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient, bringing tang and richness and glazing everything in the pan beautifully.
Honey: Just a touch softens the acidity of the vinegar and balances the flavors.
Fresh basil: Sprinkled on at the end, basil delivers freshness and a vibrant, peppery aroma.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the whole dish and adds a finishing touch of green.

How to Make One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, which helps them brown better. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This quick step ensures each piece is filled with flavor right from the get-go. Don’t be shy—a well-seasoned chicken is a tasty chicken!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

In your favorite large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Once shimmering, lay in your chicken breasts. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side so they develop a gorgeous, golden crust. This not only seals in juiciness but builds the kind of flavor foundation that makes One-Pan Balsamic Chicken so irresistible. Set the chicken aside for a moment—you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Drop the heat to medium, and toss in the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes—just long enough for the tomatoes to start bursting with juice and the onions to turn gloriously soft and colorful. The kitchen starts to smell amazing here, so get ready for some appreciative noses poking in.

Step 4: Build the Balsamic Sauce

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and drizzle in the honey, then stir while scraping up any golden bits (that’s pure flavor!) left behind by the chicken. Let the sauce bubble gently, pulling together the sweetness of the onions and honey with the tang of the balsamic. It’s the unique signature of One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and where the real magic happens.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Nestle those chicken breasts right back in the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked juicy and tender all the way through (165°F if you’re checking). This is when the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, infusing every morsel with bold flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat and shower the dish with fresh basil and parsley. That finishing pop of green adds brightness and makes One-Pan Balsamic Chicken look as uplifting as it tastes. Serve right from the skillet for both convenience and those rustic dinner vibes!

How to Serve One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

The simplest (and sometimes best) way is a final dusting of chopped basil and parsley—those flavors wake everything up and bring the colors to life. If you want even more flair, a few shavings of Parmesan or a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can make it feel restaurant-worthy without any fuss.

Side Dishes

Creamy mashed potatoes, a scoop of fluffy rice, or nutty quinoa all do wonders for soaking up the gorgeous sauce. Roasted veggies or a tangle of sautéed spinach will keep things light and bright, complementing the tangy richness of your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a simple arugula salad with a bit of that luscious sauce. Or, pile the whole mixture atop toasted crusty bread for a heartier, rustic take. Individual mini skillets or cast-iron pans can turn a weeknight into a special occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and all its saucy goodness into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors might get even richer as they mingle!

Freezing

If you want to stash some for a future night, place cooled portions (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just know that tomatoes might soften more after thawing, but the flavor will still be top-notch.

Reheating

For best results, reheat One-Pan Balsamic Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch; just use short bursts to keep the chicken nice and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great in this recipe. They might take an extra minute or two to cook through, but their extra juiciness can make your One-Pan Balsamic Chicken even more flavorful.

What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar if I don’t have any?

If you’re in a pinch, a mix of red wine vinegar and a pinch of brown sugar can mimic the sweet tang of balsamic. It won’t be quite the same, but the result will still be delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is naturally gluten-free, provided all your ingredients are certified safe. Just double-check your balsamic vinegar and seasonings if cross-contamination is a concern.

Can I add more vegetables to the pan?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are all welcome here. Add them along with the tomatoes and onions so everything softens and mingles in the luscious balsamic sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is by using an instant-read thermometer—look for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have one, cut into the center of a piece: the juices should run clear with no pink remaining.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken truly delivers on its promise: bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and plenty of reasons to make it again and again. You don’t need a special occasion to treat yourself to something this good, so grab that skillet and savor every last saucy bite!

One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, then add garlic, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften. Stir in balsamic vinegar and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Finish Cooking: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
For a richer flavor, reduce the balsamic sauce a bit longer before adding the chicken back to the pan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired