One Pan Balsamic Chicken – Juicy, Glazed, and Full of Flavor

Introduction

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a simple, satisfying dinner that brings bold flavor and beautiful color to the table with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are seared and simmered in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs — all in one skillet.

It’s an ideal weeknight recipe that feels a little fancy, with a deep, caramelized glaze that clings to every bite. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free, low carb, and perfect for pairing with your favorite roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this balsamic chicken skillet is a wholesome, fuss-free dinner that never disappoints.

Ingredients Overview

Chicken

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• If using thick breasts, slice horizontally or pound to an even ½–¾ inch thickness.
• Thighs stay juicy and flavorful — great for longer simmering.

Balsamic Vinegar

• High-quality balsamic vinegar is key to a rich, balanced glaze.
• Look for aged or barrel-aged for more depth and natural sweetness.

Honey or Brown Sugar

• Adds just enough sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Honey creates a glossy finish; brown sugar adds a molasses-like note.

Garlic & Onion

• Fresh garlic (3–4 cloves) gives savory depth to the sauce.
• Optional: add thinly sliced red onion or shallots for more complexity.

Tomatoes

• Cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect — they blister and burst into the sauce.
• Canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes can be used in cooler seasons.

Herbs

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning for simmering
• Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme for a deeper herbal layer

Olive Oil

• Used for searing and sautéing — helps build the flavor foundation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

• Pat 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.

2. Sear the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Remove and set aside — it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.

3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

• Reduce heat to medium.
• Add another drizzle of oil if needed.
• Add:
  • 3–4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes
• Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes begin to blister and release juice.

4. Make the Balsamic Glaze

• Add to the skillet:
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Finish Cooking the Chicken

• Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
• Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and sauce is slightly thickened.

Tip: If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Spoon more glaze over the chicken.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
• Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or green beans in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Use thighs for juicier texture: Boneless chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay moist.
• Make it dairy-free: No cream or cheese needed — the balsamic glaze stands alone.
• Try it with pork chops: Use the same method for pork instead of chicken.
• Swap honey: Maple syrup also works beautifully in the glaze.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Serve this one-pan balsamic chicken with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery polenta
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Cooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice for a grain base
• Crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners – quick and flavorful
• Meal prep – easy to portion and reheat
• Dinner parties – elegant enough for guests
• Lighter meals – clean ingredients, bold taste

Nutritional & Health Notes

This balsamic chicken recipe is:

• High in lean protein
• Low in sugar and carbs (especially if you go light on the sweetener)
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
• Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes, garlic, and balsamic vinegar

To lighten further:

• Use chicken breast and a smaller amount of honey
• Skip sides like pasta or potatoes and pair with roasted veggies or greens
• Add more fresh herbs for flavor without added fat or calories

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this with bone-in chicken?

A1: Yes, but it will need a longer cook time — sear, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked. You may want to add extra liquid to prevent the sauce from reducing too quickly.

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Q2: What if my balsamic sauce is too tart?

A2: Add a little more honey or a splash of water or broth to mellow the acidity. A pinch of baking soda can also soften harsh vinegar if needed.

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Q3: Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?

A3: You can, but reduce the amount and skip the honey, as balsamic glaze is already thick and sweet. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

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Q4: What’s the best pan to use?

A4: A large stainless steel or nonstick skillet works great. Avoid cast iron unless it’s well-seasoned — the acidity in the vinegar can strip the seasoning.

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Q5: Can I use frozen chicken?

A5: Yes, but thaw completely before cooking to ensure even searing and proper internal temperature.

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Q6: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A6: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Q7: Is this recipe good for meal prep?

A7: Absolutely. The chicken reheats well and the glaze holds up beautifully. Serve with cooked grains and roasted vegetables for balanced meals throughout the week.

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