Description
This one pan balsamic chicken is a quick, hearty skillet dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella in a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crusty.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scatter halved tomatoes around the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey. Sprinkle over Italian herbs. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits and stir to coat the chicken and tomatoes.
- Let everything simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the vinegar reduces and the sauce thickens. If it gets too sticky, add a splash of water. Chicken should be nearly cooked through (internal temp about 160°F).
- Arrange mozzarella slices over each piece of chicken. Cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and top with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes. Spoon extra balsamic glaze and tomatoes over the top and serve warm, straight from the pan.
Notes
For best results, use fresh mozzarella and a quality balsamic vinegar. Watch the balsamic reduction closely to avoid burning—add a splash of water if it thickens too much. Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs; pound to even thickness and adjust cook time. Add baby spinach with the tomatoes for extra greens. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and toppings
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: balsamic chicken, mozzarella skillet dinner, one pan chicken, easy Italian chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, skillet recipe, chicken with tomatoes, chicken with basil, healthy comfort food