This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a flavor-packed, weeknight dinner hero. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, surrounded by burst cherry tomatoes and caramelized onions. It’s the kind of skillet dish that makes you feel like a pro with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Each bite is a balance of savory and sweet, with fresh herbs tying it all together. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a simple recipe to meal prep for the week, this balsamic chicken checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Balsamic Chicken

All made in one skillet — less mess, fast cleanup.
Ready in just 30 minutes.
Bold flavor from balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Family-friendly and perfect for weeknights.
Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

What Kind of Balsamic Vinegar Should I Use?

For this dish, use a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar for the richest, most complex flavor. If your vinegar is very thick or sweet, you can reduce the amount of honey in the glaze. Avoid thin, cheap vinegars with added caramel coloring, as they can make the sauce too acidic.

Ingredients for the One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building depth and flavor.

Chicken Breasts (3 large): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean yet filling, and they absorb the rich glaze beautifully.
Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups): These burst during cooking, adding sweetness and a juicy texture.
Red Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Provides caramelized, mellow sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and sharp bite.
Balsamic Vinegar (1/3 cup): The star of the glaze, offering a tangy, slightly sweet backbone.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Softens the acidity of the vinegar and enhances caramelization.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing and sautéing.
Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright and peppery for a fresh finish.
Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herbaceous warmth.

How To Make the One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to begin bursting and releasing their juices.

Step 4: Make the Balsamic Glaze

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the glaze and tomatoes over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and serve directly from the skillet. Enjoy!

How to Serve and Store One Pan Balsamic Chicken

This recipe yields 3 chicken breasts and can serve 3 to 4 people, depending on sides. For storage, let the chicken cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.

It also freezes well. Just place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

What to Serve With One Pan Balsamic Chicken

H3: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes soak up all the extra glaze.

H3: Herbed Couscous

Light, fluffy, and quick to make, it complements the boldness of the sauce.

H3: Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for mopping up every bit of balsamic goodness.

H3: Steamed Green Beans

Add a fresh crunch and keep the meal balanced.

H3: Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette are a fresh contrast.

H3: Creamy Polenta

This pairs well with the rich sauce and makes it a hearty meal.

H3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their crispy texture adds contrast to the saucy chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great. Just adjust the cook time as they may take a bit longer.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and makes a great meal prep option.

What if my balsamic vinegar is too tangy?
Add an extra teaspoon of honey or a pat of butter to mellow it out.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with chicken thighs or go the classic route? Add mushrooms or extra garlic? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Conclusion

One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes home-cooked meals feel restaurant-worthy. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor in every bite. This dish is a weeknight wonder you’ll return to again and again.

For more comforting meal ideas, check out these delicious dishes:

Hungry for more? Browse daily recipes and inspiration on my Pinterest: Meals We Share

Homemade One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Author: Sally Roberts
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3 chicken breasts

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a quick and easy dinner idea you’ll want on repeat. With tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich balsamic glaze and surrounded by juicy cherry tomatoes and sweet onions, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that tastes gourmet. Ideal for healthy meal prep, simple food ideas, or when you just want something delicious with minimal cleanup.

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to begin bursting and releasing their juices.

4. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the glaze and tomatoes over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).

6. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and serve directly from the skillet. Enjoy!

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for more even cooking.

Use fresh basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Don’t skip searing the chicken first — it adds color and flavor depth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 365
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: easy dinner, balsamic chicken, skillet chicken, weeknight meals, quick dinner, meal prep