Balsamic Chicken Recipe: Easy One-Pan Delight with Tomatoes

The sizzle of chicken searing in a hot pan is music to my ears, especially when it’s followed by the tangy aroma of balsamic vinegar mingling with fresh tomatoes. This Ultimate One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomatoes has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a quick weeknight meal that wouldn’t sacrifice flavor. What a revelation it was! With just a handful of ingredients and a single pan, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Trust me, your family will think you’re a culinary genius.

Balsamic chicken is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, healthy, and incredibly convenient. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or just yourself, this dish is perfect. It’s great for anyone looking for a meal that’s both hearty and light, thanks to the vibrant tomatoes and the richness of the balsamic glaze. I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there, and I’m excited to share my perfected version with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner plans.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for exotic ingredients; you probably have everything you need right in your pantry.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, this dish fits the bill.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The balance of sweet balsamic and juicy tomatoes will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of flavors really makes this dish stand out from the typical chicken recipes.

What sets this balsamic chicken recipe apart is the technique of reducing the balsamic vinegar to create a luscious glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. It’s comfort food with an elegant twist. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself, this dish delivers that “wow” factor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 1.5 pounds (680g), sliced thinly for even cooking.
• Balsamic vinegar: 1/2 cup (120ml), for that tangy, sweet glaze.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken and enhancing flavor.
• Fresh garlic: 3 cloves, minced (adds depth).
• Fresh tomatoes: 2 cups (about 300g), cherry or grape tomatoes, halved.
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon, to infuse the chicken with herbal notes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Fresh basil leaves: A handful, chopped for garnish (adds freshness).

Feel free to swap the fresh tomatoes with canned if that’s what you have, or use white vinegar with a touch of honey if you’re out of balsamic. This recipe is all about flexibility and using what you have on hand.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan: A non-stick or cast iron pan works best for even cooking.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy with the ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: For prepping the chicken and tomatoes.

No need for fancy equipment here! If you don’t have a large skillet, a medium-sized one will do; just cook the chicken in batches. A good pair of tongs is a lifesaver for flipping chicken without a fuss, and trust me, once you have a set, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets for quicker cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
2. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the glaze: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the balsamic and tomatoes: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the halved tomatoes and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until the balsamic reduces and thickens slightly.
5. Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the pan, turning to coat in the balsamic glaze. Let it warm through—about 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving, and enjoy the delightful aroma as you plate up this delicious dish.

Remember, the key to this recipe’s success is in the balsamic reduction. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and you’ll have a delicious glaze every time. If your glaze gets too thick, just add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: This helps the chicken brown properly. If needed, cook in batches.
• Watch the heat: Balsamic vinegar can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Be patient with the glaze: It needs time to reduce—this is where the magic happens!
• Multitasking tips: While the chicken cooks, you can prep your tomatoes and basil to save time.
• For consistency: Use chicken cutlets of similar thickness for even cooking.

One of my early mistakes was turning up the heat to speed up the reduction. Big mistake! Patience is key to achieving that perfect glaze. Also, if you’re new to balsamic reduction, resist the urge to stir constantly—let it do its thing.

Variations & Adaptations

• Dietary swaps: Use chicken thighs for a juicier outcome or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Seasonal twist: Try adding zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies in the summer months.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
• Cooking methods: This recipe can also be adapted for a sheet pan by roasting in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

I once swapped the tomatoes with roasted red peppers, and it was a hit! This recipe is so versatile; you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs easily.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this balsamic chicken warm, garnished with fresh basil, alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. A glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the tangy flavors of this dish.

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. The flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers just as good—if not better!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This balsamic chicken dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Per serving, it offers approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 10g

The dish is high in protein and low in carbs, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Tomatoes provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, while balsamic vinegar is known for its potential heart health benefits. Always be mindful of potential allergens like garlic, and modify if needed.

Conclusion

This Ultimate One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomatoes is truly worth trying. It’s a recipe that allows you to customize based on your preferences, and it’s one I love for its simplicity and flavor-packed results. I encourage you to give it a go and make it your own. Share your variations in the comments; I’d love to hear how you adapt it!

Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey. Remember, great meals don’t have to be complicated. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?

You can substitute with canned tomatoes, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh.

What side dishes go well with balsamic chicken?

Try serving it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa.

How do I make the glaze less sweet?

If you find the glaze too sweet, add a little more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance it out.

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