If you are looking for a dish that brings vibrant flavors and effortless cooking together, look no further than the One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe. This dish is a delightful harmony of juicy chicken breasts, sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls all baked to perfection in a single pan. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both elegant and homey, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for friends. Plus, the simplicity of cooking everything in one pan means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, which is always a win in my book!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to the success of the One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe. Each component plays a unique role—balancing sweetness, acidity, creaminess, and savoriness—resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color.
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: This is your tangy and slightly sweet base that adds depth to the chicken.
- 2 Tbsp honey: A natural sweetener that balances the vinegar’s acidity perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp oil (avocado or olive): Essential for searing the chicken and building flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds that irresistible aroma and savory undertone.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with Mediterranean warmth.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy kick that elevates the balsamic glaze.
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved: These juicy bursts lend freshness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Creamy, tender bites that melt slightly for a luscious texture contrast.
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: To season everything just right and enhance natural flavors.
How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Balsamic Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken quickly. While the oven warms, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This glaze will coat your chicken with a beautifully balanced flavor that’s both tangy and sweet.
Step 2: Toss the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
In a separate bowl, gently toss the halved grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple step allows them to blend flavors before baking, so you get juicy tomatoes and gooey, melty mozzarella working in harmony with the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat some oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until each piece is golden brown. This quick sear locks in the juices and adds a beautiful crust before baking.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour your prepared balsamic mixture over the seared chicken in the pan, making sure the pieces are evenly coated. Then scatter the tossed tomato and mozzarella mixture on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This final step melds all the flavors wonderfully and softens the tomatoes and cheese just right.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting helps retain the chicken’s juiciness and allows the flavors to settle perfectly, making every bite as flavorful as intended.
How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the finished dish brings a fresh herbaceous brightness that complements the balsamic glaze. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or an extra spoonful of balsamic reduction can add a gourmet touch if you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, a fluffy bed of couscous, or roasted vegetables. Each side helps soak up the luscious balsamic sauce and rounds out the meal with textures and flavors that balance the richness of the chicken and mozzarella.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken breasts on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls left whole. Alternatively, serve over a bed of vibrant arugula or fresh mixed greens for a lighter, colorful plating that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce without the fresh mozzarella for up to 2 months. Keep it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add fresh mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheese on top during reheating to recapture that creamy texture that’s signature to this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure they reach the safe internal temperature for poultry.
Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella balls?
Fresh mozzarella balls like ciliegine melt nicely and add creaminess, but if unavailable, you can use sliced fresh mozzarella or a soft mozzarella log cut into chunks as alternatives.
Can I prepare the balsamic mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the balsamic glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Give it a good stir before pouring it over the chicken to blend any separated ingredients.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer the chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic mixture to a baking dish for the oven step.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to check with a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be juicy and no longer pink in the center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that feels special, the One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and comforting textures, all coming together in one convenient pan. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with a beautiful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that make every bite memorable.
Print
One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe features juicy, seared chicken breasts baked in a flavorful balsamic vinegar and honey glaze, topped with fresh grape tomatoes and mozzarella balls. It’s an easy, wholesome dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup while delivering delicious, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp oil (avocado or olive)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the tomato and mozzarella mix: In another bowl, toss the halved grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls with salt and black pepper to season evenly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown to lock in flavor.
- Add balsamic mixture and toppings: Pour the balsamic glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet. Scatter the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly across the top of the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 18–23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet like a cast iron pan to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Fresh mozzarella can release moisture; drain excess liquid if needed before serving.
- Honey adds natural sweetness and balances the acidity of balsamic vinegar.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or crusty bread for a complete meal.
