This balsamic chicken is a complex, rich, and aromatic dinner anyone can make. Paired with tomatoes and basil, it makes for a tangy, tart and balanced meal. It’s high protein and gluten-free.

I’ve found that there are only a few dishes that offer the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication in one meal. But, I can assure you that this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken is just that.

Imagine biting into a tender chicken breast that’s infused with the rich, tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar, topped with mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes. The best part is that it not only creates a party of flavor in your taste buds, but it also saves you time on cleanup.

So naturally, I love it. If you’re a busy gal or guy like me, you’ll probably feel the same way.

While I love the recipe as it is, there are always ways in which you can make it your own. You can modify certain ingredients based on your eating habits or even add some ingredients to boost its flavor.

I think that this dish is delicious as it is. However, you can add some ingredients to boost its flavor and create different alternatives.

Here are some ingredients I’ve tried that work with this recipe.

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Capers
• Artichoke hearts
• Fresh herbs
• Pine nuts
• Red onion

Ingredients and Substitutes

Balsamic vinegar (1/3 cup) – This is the star ingredient of the dish, so I recommend keeping it. However, if you don’t have any, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with some sugar or honey.

Honey (2 tbsp) – This adds a natural sweetness to the meal. If you want to reduce the carb content, you can switch it to a sugar-free sweetener.

Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Make sure you only use regular olive oil when cooking. If you don’t have any, don’t use extra virgin olive oil, use avocado oil instead.

Garlic, minced (4 cloves) – Try keeping a jar with minced garlic in olive oil. It saves you time and prevents you from smelling like garlic all day. You can also use garlic flakes.

Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Don’t skip this ingredient since it adds a punch of flavor.

Onion powder (1 tsp) – You can also use fresh chopped onions, shallot, or onion flakes.

Garlic powder (1 tsp)

Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) – While you can use yellow mustard or even whole grain mustard, I would recommend keeping the Dijon mustard since it adds a slightly sharp and tangy flavor.

Fresh mozzarella (8 oz) – You can try using a blend of different cheese like mozzarella, provolone, and fontina.

Grape tomatoes, halved (2 cups) – You can also use cherry tomatoes.

Fresh basil, chopped (2 tbsp) – You can use dried basil if you don’t have any, although I recommend using the fresh one.

Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – You can use canola or sunflower oil since they have a high cooking point.

Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, pounded to even thickness (2 lb) – For a plant-based option, you can use firm tofu.

Sea salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Grab a small bowl and add the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard.

Step 2. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3. In another bowl, shred the mozzarella into pieces using your hands. Add the grape tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Combine all the ingredients.

Step 4. Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, and then add it to the skillet. Set them in a single layer.

Step 5. Cook the chicken until they are golden brown on each side. It should take 2-4 minutes for each side.

Step 6. Mix again the balsamic vinegar mixture and pour it over the chicken.

Step 7. Let it simmer, and make sure you scrape off any browning off the pan to avoid burning.

Step 8. Remove the skillet from the heat and cover the chicken with the mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until you make sure the chicken is cooked. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Ways to Modify This Balsamic Chicken

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or a combination of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Vegan: Just like the vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu. Also, choose a plant-based cheese.
• Low-sodium: To control the sodium content of the meal, choose a low-sodium balsamic vinegar. Be careful how much salt you add to the recipe.

Sides for One Pan Balsamic Chicken

To complement the dish, here are some of my favorite side dishes I’ve found that elevate the flavors of the recipe.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These creamy and smooth potatoes can complement the tangy chicken perfectly.
• Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli: They add a light and crunchy texture to the meal.
• Quinoa Salad: Not only do they add flavor and texture, but also a lot of nutrients.
• Garlic Pasta: Imagine a bed of garlic pasta before serving this recipe on your plate.
• Air-Fryer Green Beans
• Air-Fryer Carrots
• Air-Fryer Asparagus
• Bulgur Wheat Salad

Storage and Leftovers

If you’ve got some leftovers, you are going to want to keep them fresh to enjoy them later.

Allow the chicken to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Once you are ready to have it, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. While you can also do it in the microwave, I prefer the flavor and texture the oven provides.

Other One Pan Chicken Recipes

• Creamy Sun-Dried Chicken Orzo
• Lemon Chicken Piccata
• One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
• Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes