Description
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is a simple yet delicious dinner recipe that features tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze with garlic, herbs, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Cooked entirely in a single skillet, it offers a quick and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup chicken broth
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure flavor throughout.
- Heat Olive Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, heating it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, honey, and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to dissolve any flavorful browned bits left by the chicken.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
- Return Chicken and Cook: Place the chicken back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 10–15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- Serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.
- For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking so it wilts without overcooking.
- Chicken thighs yield juicier results, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option with equally tasty results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
