One Pan Balsamic Chicken Bubbles

Get ready to fall head over heels for a dish that turns any night into an Italian-inspired celebration! This One Pan Balsamic Chicken bubbles with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, and the best part? You’ll need only a handful of fresh ingredients and just one skillet. Each golden piece of chicken is draped in a perfectly balanced balsamic sauce, crowned with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. Weeknight luxury has never tasted this good, and all in less than an hour. This recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar, but now with the addition of this key ingredient, it truly sings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple but sensational — each ingredient here plays a juicy role, bringing flavor, texture, or a pop of fresh color to your plate. Don’t skip or skimp; this is one of those recipes where quality really shines through!

• Balsamic Vinegar: The new official star! Adds a rich, sweet tang and depth — opt for a good quality bottle for best results.
• Honey: Just a touch transforms the sauce, balancing the acidity of the vinegar with mellow sweetness.
• Oil (Avocado or Olive Oil): Choose your favorite; both offer a smooth base for searing and enhance the sauce’s silkiness.
• Garlic (minced): Two cloves of aromatic goodness; don’t be shy, the flavor mellows as it cooks.
• Italian Seasoning: No need to raid the spice rack — one spoonful delivers instant Italian flair.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a gentle tang and creaminess that enriches the sauce beautifully.
• Grape Tomatoes (halved): Bursting with color and juice, these brighten every bite — cherry tomatoes work as well!
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (ciliegine or pearls): Creamy, mild, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth perfection atop the chicken.
• Fresh Basil (finely chopped): Essential for a fresh, herbal lift — add a little extra if you’re a basil lover.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pounded to even thickness for moist, juicy cooking and perfect presentation.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Season assertively! These elevate every layer of flavor.
• More Avocado or Olive Oil (for cooking): For getting that irresistible golden sear on the chicken.

How to Make This recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar

Step 1: Whisk Up the Balsamic Sauce

In a medium bowl, lovingly whisk together your balsamic vinegar, honey, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This sauce is something special; it brings together all the elements we crave in Italian comfort food. Set it aside and let the flavors mingle while you get the next bits ready.

Step 2: Toss the Tomato Mozzarella Topping

In a fresh bowl, toss your halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and that vibrant chopped basil. Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt and pepper here too — it wakes up the tomatoes and makes the mozzarella sing. Set this aside; it’s your crowning glory, ready to go.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan in a single layer. Sear for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until lightly golden. You want a little color, not cooked through — the oven will finish the job!

Step 4: Add Sauce and Deglaze

Pour that glossy balsamic sauce over the chicken. It should hiss and bubble almost instantly! Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; this is pure flavor gold and helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

Step 5: Top with Tomato Mozzarella and Bake

Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly scatter your tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken. Slide the whole pan into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through and registers 165 F internally. Take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in — this makes every bite even juicier. Now you’ve experienced why this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar, but the improved version makes all the difference!

How to Serve This recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar

Garnishes

A generous shower of fresh basil is non-negotiable if you ask me! You can also add a drizzle of good olive oil, a pinch of flaky salt, or even a dusting of fresh cracked pepper just before serving. Sometimes I scatter a few extra mozzarella pearls for added “wow” at the table, since this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar and deserves a little extra love now.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the vibrant sauce: crusty Italian bread, creamy polenta, or a buttery bowl of mashed potatoes will all work wonders. Roasted green beans, garlicky spinach, or a crisp arugula salad are fresh companions too. Set the table family-style and let everyone build their own perfect plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, try slicing the chicken before plating, fanning it out and spooning the saucy tomatoes and mozzarella on top — it looks so inviting! You can also serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter spin, or pile the whole mix into a toasted ciabatta roll for the ultimate balsamic chicken sandwich. However you serve it, remember that this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar, which means this updated approach is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mozzarella might release a bit of moisture, but the flavors meld beautifully by day two!

Freezing

While you can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, I recommend holding off on adding the mozzarella and fresh tomato-basil topping until after reheating for best texture. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. Once the chicken is warmed through, add fresh mozzarella and tomatoes to keep that creamy texture front and center. This method ensures your leftovers taste almost as delicious as when this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar — maybe even better!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay tender and juicy. You might need a minute or two of extra baking time, but follow the same steps and enjoy the flavor boost.

What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?

Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound the thickest part until the chicken is of even thickness — this ensures perfect, juicy results, just as intended when this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar.

Can I make it dairy free?

Yes! Simply skip the mozzarella, and the chicken will still be deliciously bold and satisfying. For a creamy element, consider serving with a dairy-free cheese alternative or topped with a creamy basil pesto.

What can I use in place of fresh basil?

If you can’t find fresh basil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even baby arugula can stand in. Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh herbs really brighten the dish and highlight why this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar (but is so much better with it!).

Does the dish work for meal prep?

Definitely! You can make the entire recipe ahead of time and portion into containers for quick lunches or dinners all week. Just reheat gently and add extra basil or fresh mozzarella at serving for a burst of freshness.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: a stunning, comforting meal that fits your busiest weeknights or your most special get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to discover just how good this recipe is — especially since this recipe was originally published on 9/28/17 and did not include balsamic vinegar, but now brings out the absolute best in every bite!

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