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Baked Balsamic Chicken

A one-pan baked chicken recipe with golden seared chicken breasts, homemade balsamic honey Dijon sauce, fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and basil. Easy, juicy, and ready in 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil for the sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz grape tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine or pearls; halve ciliegine before using
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or high-heat oil for searing
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Instant read meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Toss halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  4. Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add chicken in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
  5. Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken. It should come to a quick simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Spoon the tomato mozzarella mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
  7. Bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and mozzarella is melted and bubbling.
  8. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness before searing for even cooking. Do not skip the sear — it builds the base flavor for the sauce. Use ciliegine mozzarella halved or pearls whole. Chicken thighs can substitute; check for doneness after 7 to 10 minutes in the oven.