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One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

A comforting and quick weeknight meal, this One-Pan Balsamic Chicken features tender chicken breasts with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 pounds; pound to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for a neutral flavor
  • 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced; can swap with shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic minced; roasted garlic is optional
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar good-quality for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water in a pinch
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, adds brightness
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; optional for sweetness
  • 1 pat butter optional for finishing
  • to taste salt and pepper kosher salt preferred

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Rub a bit of olive oil into the chicken if desired.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion to the same pan and sauté until translucent and starting to caramelize, about 4–5 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in brown sugar and Dijon mustard until dissolved.
  4. Return chicken to the pan, adding thyme and cherry tomatoes if using. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Finish with a pat of butter if desired and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or garlic pasta for a comforting meal. This dish is versatile enough for quick meals or special occasions. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.