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This super-simple Balsamic Chicken Recipe is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 35 minutes, giving you juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken. This skillet-made easy chicken dinner is packed with caprese flavors of cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and sweet balsamic glaze. It’s a beautiful gourmet meal without all the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Chicken Recipe
The fall weather is slowly seeping in, and I am getting excited. And with the holiday season in mind, I love to create family-favorite dishes that are festive, delicious, and impressive! It is like I want to decorate the table as well as the house. Am I the only one?
The best thing about this easy chicken dinner is that, even without a marinade, it still packs a ton of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe time and time again.
Here’s what makes it special:
❥ Quick Weeknight Dinner: Balsamic chicken is a 35-minute go-to recipe for busy evenings because it’s simple and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
❥ Impressive Flavor: It delivers a gourmet taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for impressing guests or family.
❥ Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it with different herbs, spices, and vegetables, making it adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand.
NikkiWhat is Caprese Chicken?
Caprese Chicken is basically your favorite Caprese salad turned into a cozy, satisfying chicken dinner. Think juicy, well-seasoned chicken topped with melty fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and plenty of fresh basil, all tied together with a drizzle of balsamic. It’s simple, fresh, and downright delicious. The kind of meal that feels a little fancy without any extra fuss.
Easy Balsamic Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Go for chicken breasts that are about one inch thick so they cook evenly and stay nice and juicy. If yours are thicker, you can lightly pound them out.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple but essential seasoning. This is where the flavor starts, so don’t be shy — season the chicken well.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps the chicken get that beautiful golden sear and adds a nice savory base to the balsamic sauce. You can also use avocado or your preferred cooking oil.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference here. It brings that warm, aromatic flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a good-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer and more complex flavor. It’s a key component of the dish.
- Honey: Just a touch helps balance the vinegar’s acidity. It doesn’t make the dish sweet — it simply rounds everything out.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These little tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color. Halve them so they soften and mingle into the sauce. Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best results.
- Fresh Mozzarella ‘Pearls’: These melt beautifully and tuck right in between the tomatoes and chicken. If you can’t find pearls, chop up a ball of fresh mozzarella.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: That final sprinkle of basil really brightens the whole dish. Add it right before serving for the freshest flavor.
How To Make Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Prep and Cook Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, give those chicken breasts some love with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat up a big ol’ cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a glug of olive oil.
Cooking time! Toss those seasoned chicken breasts in with some trusty tongs and let ’em sizzle away for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re no longer pink in the middle. Once they’re cooked to perfection, take ’em out of the large skillet, set them aside, and let the chicken rest.
Step 2 | Make Balsamic Glaze Sauce
Now, toss in some minced garlic in the same skillet and let it do its thing for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Pour in some balsamic vinegar and honey to make the balsamic marinade- if you feel a bit sweet. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up a bit, forming a balsamic reduction with all the golden brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
It’s time to reunite the chicken with the sauce – plop those golden beauties back in the skillet and give ’em a good sauce bath.
Step 3 | Finish with Tomatoes, Cheese, and Basil
Throw in some halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls for that cheesy goodness – Caprese chicken!
If you’re in a hurry, pop the balsamic chicken breasts skillet in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts all nice and gooey. Or, if you’re feeling patient, just cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the cheese gets all bubbly and delicious.
When it’s ready, serve up that mouthwatering Skillet Balsamic Chicken Caprese, and don’t forget to drizzle some of that tomato-balsamic sauce from the skillet over the top. Enjoy!
How to Make Balsamic Chicken Ahead of Time
If you want to get a jump on dinner, Balsamic Chicken is easy to prep ahead. You can season the chicken and even whisk together the balsamic sauce earlier in the day, then keep everything chilled until you’re ready to cook. For the most freshness, I like to wait and add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil right before serving so they stay bright and juicy. Cooked chicken also reheats well—just warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra balsamic to bring the sauce back to life. It’s a great make-ahead option that still tastes like you made it fresh.
Caprese Chicken Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This Balsamic Chicken Caprese with Italian Seasoning and Balsamic Marinade is easy to make your own. There are almost endless variations and ways to please everyone at the table. Here are a few of my suggestions.
Protein Substitutions:
- Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer, darker meat flavor.
- If you’re a vegetarian or looking for a meatless option, consider using tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute. You can marinate them in a balsamic mixture for flavor- as good as marinated chicken.
Seasoning Variations:
- Experiment with different herbs and spices for seasoning. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be added to the chicken for extra flavor.
- Try smoked paprika or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Sauce Tweaks:
- Adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar instead of honey.
- Substitute balsamic vinegar with other kinds of vinegar, like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for unique flavor profiles.
Vegetable Additions:
- Enhance the dish with additional vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Cheese Options:
Swap fresh mozzarella with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan for a different flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Balsamic Chicken Caprese
When it comes to serving Balsamic Chicken Caprese, you’ve got plenty of delicious options. Those sweet, tangy pan juices are made for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted parmesan potatoes, or a bed of fluffy rice pilaf. If pasta is more your vibe, linguine or fettuccine are perfect for soaking up every bit of that balsamic goodness.
You can keep things fresh with a crisp Caesar salad topped with homemade croutons or go cozy with a warm homemade dinner roll. For something lighter, try pairing it with a simple fresh kale salad, a tomato and cucumber salad, air fryer green beans, or sweet potato cubes. While dinner rolls or garlic bread can help soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce.
No matter which direction you go, each of these sides pairs beautifully with the bright, savory flavors of this easy skillet chicken.
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Balsamic Chicken Recipe FAQs
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a delicious alternative to chicken breasts. They may have a slightly different cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
While traditional aged balsamic vinegar provides the best flavor, you can use any good-quality balsamic vinegar you have on hand.
Yes, dried basil can be used as a substitute for fresh basil. Use about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh basil.
To prevent the chicken from drying out, be sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, baste the chicken with the balsamic glaze to keep it moist.
Balsamic chicken can be made gluten-free if you ensure that all the ingredients used, including the balsamic vinegar and any condiments, are gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa instead of traditional pasta or bread.
Other Chicken Recipes to Try
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tabelspoons honey
- 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes - halved
- 8 ounce container of fresh mozzarella "pearls"
- Fresh basil leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts using tongs and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using). Stir well to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and turn to coat with the sauce.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the mozzarella pearls to the skillet.
- Place the skillet in the oven and cook for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the Balsamic Chicken hot, drizzling some of the tomato-balsamic sauce from the skillet over the top.
Notes
- Use Thin Chicken Cutlets or Pound Chicken Evenly: Opt for thin chicken cutlets instead of thicker chicken breasts to expedite cooking. They cook faster and more evenly. If you have regular chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures uniform cooking.
- After placing the chicken in the hot skillet, allow it to cook without disturbing it; this will give you a nice caramelized sear.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is a great kitchen tool.
- If you want a thicker and more intense balsamic glaze, you can simmer the balsamic vinegar in a separate pan until it reduces by half before adding it to the skillet.
- Watch the Cheese: When melting the mozzarella pearls especially if finishing in the oven, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. It usually takes just a few minutes.
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This simple comfort food recipe was a winner for my family. I love the flavor of balsamic, so this one is a keeper!
Thank you, Stacey!
This looks absolutely delicious and may just be what is for dinner at my house tonight!
Thank you, Chenee!
OOH my mom used to make something similar, without the mozzarella. I bet that makes it even better. I can’t wait to try it!
The chicken in this recipe turns out wonderfully tender and delicious. Everyone loves it; thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Yu! I am so glad your enjoyed it.
Loved the flavour of the balsamic and honey together. We really enjoyed this and it was so easy to make too.
Thank you, Amanda!
I’ve made this recipe several times already. It’s one of my favorite go-to weeknight dinners. Delicious!
Thank you, Quynh! It’s such a great weeknight meal!
Made this last night, it was so fast and easy and everyone loved it! Definitely making it again!
Thank you, Cara! I am so glad you love it and will be making it again!