Description
Savory balsamic chicken brings weeknight dinner magic straight to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Tender chicken thighs get glazed in a rich tangy sauce that makes your entire family cheer for an easy meal everyone will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasonings:
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt
- Black pepper
Accompaniments:
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
Instructions
- Crank your oven to a precise 400°F, preparing for a delicious one-pan meal.
- Whisk ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp. honey, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, and 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard into a smooth sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Slice 8 oz. grape tomatoes in half and combine them with 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. chopped basil over the mixture and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pat 2 lb. chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and looks glossy.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear for exactly 1–2 minutes per side until a beautiful golden crust forms.
- Pour the prepared balsamic sauce directly over the chicken. Allow the sauce to simmer and gently scrape up any caramelized bits from the skillet bottom.
- Scatter the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly across the chicken’s surface.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated 400°F oven. Roast uncovered for 18–23 minutes until chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.
- Sprinkle additional fresh basil on top before serving for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for the best burst of fresh flavor in the final dish.
- Select a high-quality balsamic vinegar to elevate the sauce’s depth and complexity.
- If avoiding dairy, substitute mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a similar creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 416 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg