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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Published: Feb 13, 2023 Modified: Feb 25, 2023 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    easy balsamic chicken

    Easy Balsamic Chicken is a quick one-pan dinner that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes. The tomatoes and balsamic vinegar make a delicious sauce, and you'll have a healthy and filling dinner in no time. 

    Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe in a skillet
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Easy Balsamic Chicken
    • Food Safety
    • Helpful tips
    • Storage Instructions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Nutrition
    • Need More Healthy Chicken Recipes to Get You Through The Week?
    • Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Chicken is a classic weeknight ingredient that we all love and hate simultaneously. It's a healthy protein, and we could all use easy chicken recipes to satisfy our families. Here is my list of 45 Gluten Free Chicken Dinners for more inspiration on those busy weeknights.

    This Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe is a hit with my family because they love Italian food. The flavor of the balsamic reduction is just subtly sweet to satisfy them and they all love the sauce made when those burst tomatoes. This easy weeknight meal is made with pantry staples and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. No need for a balsamic marinade in this one!

    Plus, this chicken breast recipe tastes even better the next day so feel free to double it for an easy leftover dinner tomorrow!

    If you love using balsamic vinegar in your cooking, try these easy weeknight recipes: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork, Five Ingredient Caprese Chicken, or use it in your salad dressings like in this Strawberry and Feta Salad with Pecans.

    Ready for an easy dinner that will become one of your favorite quick chicken recipes?

    Ingredients

    This gluten-free dinner comes together with 6 common ingredients.

    • Chicken breasts - boneless skinless chicken breasts are best, but chicken tenders will work too
    • Olive oil - extra virgin olive oil is a great option, and I get mine from Costco
    • Grape or Cherry Tomatoes - I prefer grape tomatoes because they have a sweeter flavor but either will work. You can also use yellow grape tomatoes if you can find them in the summer.
    • Balsamic Vinegar - One of my favorite ingredients of all time. It is so versatile, and I use it all the time in my homemade salad dressings. It has a rich complex flavor with hints of molasses and chocolate.
    • Basil and Tomato Flavored Feta Cheese - Okay, maybe my second favorite ingredient. Why not buy feta cheese that is loaded with extra flavor? I love using this in pasta salads too. Feel free to use regular feta cheese if you can't find it. 
    • Fresh Basil - You can substitute dried basil, but you’ll miss out on fantastic flavor. Fresh herbs jazz up your meals instantly.

    How to Make Easy Balsamic Chicken

    This chicken dinner comes together quickly in one pan. The printable recipe is in the recipe card for your convenience.

    Step 1.

    Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness. This is a must. Trim the chicken of any fat.

    Step 2. 

    Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat. 

    Step 3.

    Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and generously salt and pepper on both sides. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan.

    Step 4.

    Swirl the pan around when the oil is hot to cover it evenly with oil. Increase heat to medium. Place chicken in the pan and cook for about 5 or 6 minutes per side. Try not to disturb them, so they have time to brown on each side.

    Step 5. 

    Cook chicken until no longer pink in the middle and the temperature registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using an instant-read meat thermometer. 

    Step 6.

    Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with aluminum foil.

    Step 7.

    Add one more tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and add the fresh grape tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until they start to burst open. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir gently, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

    Step 8.

    Add cooked chicken and juices back to pan and top with feta cheese and fresh basil. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

    Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe garnished with basil and feta

    Food Safety

    The best way to test for the doneness of any meat is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the temperature gauge into the thickest part of the chicken. The USDA recommends cooking chicken until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (source) Additionally, there should be no pink when cut into the breasts.

    Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts that’s why it’s helpful to have an instant-read thermometer. 

    Helpful tips

    This easy one-pan meal is pretty simple on its own. But consider these helpful tips for best results:

    • When pan-frying chicken breasts, I always trim any visible fat from boneless skinless chicken breasts and flatten them with a meat mallet. That way, it will cook evenly and produce the most tender chicken. 
    • You can also buy chicken tenders at the grocery store as they are typically more uniform. It makes this dish even easier and quicker.
    • Don’t settle for dry chicken! The only way to get juicy chicken breasts is not to overcook them.
    • If you want to elevate that balsamic flavor, drizzle a little bit of balsamic glaze over the finished dish.
    • For a fancy spin on this easy weeknight dinner, add a few slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken breast and allow it to melt gently. 

    Storage Instructions

    Leftover balsamic chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

    Reheat it in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a toaster oven with the juices and tomatoes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Lastly, you can reheat on the stovetop in a small covered pan over medium heat for a few minutes. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to buy the best balsamic vinegar?

    When shopping for balsamic vinegar, you must check for its origin and make sure that it is made from 100% grapes. Many kinds of vinegar have fillers added that take away from the flavor. I usually buy mine at Costco because I'm not picky about it, but the quality makes a difference, especially in a recipe like these balsamic chicken breasts. Epicurious recommends Villa Manodori Balsamic Vinegar and Cucina & Amore Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

    Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?

    Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Therefore, it is often referred to as balsamic reduction on bottle labels. The vinegar is simmered in a saucepan for about 20-30 minutes until reduced in half and thickened to a maple syrup consistency while making the balsamic glaze.

    What vegetables are good with balsamic chicken?

    In addition to cherry tomatoes, green beans and asparagus are especially great with balsamic chicken. Red bell peppers and red onions would also work wonderfully.

    Serving Suggestions

    This easy chicken dish is packed with flavor and nutrition and is great on its own. But to make it a complete meal, serve it with your favorite side. Pasta, rice, or potatoes work, but it also pairs well with roast vegetables. Try this chicken with Roasted Green Beans or Easy Roasted Broccoli. 

    Nutrition

    Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, making them a popular addition to a healthy diet. Plus, when you trim the fat off of skinless chicken breasts, you are further reducing the fat content.

    The good thing is that chicken breasts are loaded with health benefits. Most notably, the nutrients in the chicken breast may help with appetite control, muscle mass, bone health, and even improve sleep thanks to an essential amino acid called tryptophan. (source)

    A serving of this Easy Balsamic Chicken clocks in at only 285 calories and 6 grams of carbs. It also packs in 21 grams of protein, which means you will feel fuller longer. It’s a fantastic dish that’s both healthy and delicious!

    Need More Healthy Chicken Recipes to Get You Through The Week?

    • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
    • Instant Pot Orange Chicken
    • Coconut Chicken Curry
    • Instant Pot Chicken Curry 

    Easy Balsamic Chicken recipe with Tomatoes, olive oil and feta cheese close up

    Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Easy Balsamic Chicken is a one pan quick, healthy dinner that you can whip up in under 20 minutes. The tomatoes start to burst and make a yummy sauce mixed with the balsamic vinegar
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: easy balsamic chicken
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 285kcal

    Ingredients

    • 3 boneless chicken breasts trimmed of fat
    • salt and pepper
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1- pint grape or cherry tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • ½ cup basil and tomato flavored feta
    • ¼ cup basil

    Instructions

    • Place chicken breasts in between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness.
    • Preheat a skillet to medium-high.
    • Salt and pepper both sides of chicken breasts. Add 2 tablespoon oil to the pan.
    • When the oil is hot swirl it around to cover entire pan. Turn heat to medium. Place chicken in pan and cook for about 5 or 6 minutes per side. Try not to disturb them so they have time to brown on each side.
    • The chicken should no longer be pink in the middle and reach a temperature of 165°.
    • Remove the chicken from the pan and cover with foil.
    • Add 1 tablespoon more olive oil and add tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until they start to burst open. Add 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Scrape the bottom of the pan and get up all that goodness.
    • Add chicken back to pan with the juices.
    • Top with feta and basil and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 464mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 805IU | Vitamin C: 27.2mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1.7mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

    Reader Interactions

    If you make this recipe, be sure to tag #seasonal_cravings on Instagram.  Please leave a comment below and rate the recipe. Thanks so much!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Moira Seminara

      February 27, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      I made this for my family and they LOVED it! It was so easy to make and made me feel like a gourmet chef! The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil made the dish look as good as it tasted. This is definitely going to be repeated in our home and would be great for a dinner party, too! Loved it!!!

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        February 28, 2016 at 12:02 pm

        Thanks for your awesome review. I'm so glad they all liked it.

        Reply
    2. Mitzi Harlor

      March 22, 2016 at 5:39 pm

      I walked in from work at 5:50 and this was on the table by 6:20 ~ and everyone loved it. (I cheated a little by using thinly sliced chicken breasts, but those 30 minutes included tying up loose ends with our nanny and getting the scoop on the school day from the kids.) A home cooked meal on the table by 6:30 is a win in my book. Looking forward to trying more of your quick/easy recipes!

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        March 23, 2016 at 10:54 am

        It's so great to hear from you Mitzi! I'm so happy this recipe made your night easier and love the idea of using thinly sliced chicken breasts - anything to get dinner on the table faster!

        Reply
    3. Tilly

      February 12, 2019 at 10:19 pm

      5 stars
      These flavours are amazing! I want to eat it for every meal haha.

      Reply
    4. Valentina

      February 12, 2019 at 11:12 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fantastic recipe for a dinner that everyone in my family would love. And that's hard to do because my kids usually don't like the same things. 😉 Delicious!

      Reply
    5. Luci

      February 13, 2019 at 2:45 am

      5 stars
      Yum, I have a lot of chicken in my freezer so I can make this. I know this would be a hit in my household.

      Reply
    6. Dannii

      February 13, 2019 at 3:02 am

      5 stars
      We are actually having balsamic chicken for dinner tonight. I love a little feta on top.

      Reply
    7. Amy | The Cook Report

      February 13, 2019 at 6:03 am

      5 stars
      Easy chicken recipes are my jam on weeknights, love this one!

      Reply
    8. Ksenia

      January 13, 2023 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight, and the dish truly lived up to its name of being both easy and ready in 20 mins- let alone tasting like the best combination of Italian flavors

      Reply
    9. Heidi Bruaw

      January 14, 2023 at 12:37 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for this delicious and healthy one pot dinner! I was so happy to find this just after the new year, as I'm trying to eat healthier. It was delicious and my family loved it!

      Reply
    10. Amanda

      January 14, 2023 at 2:12 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe so much! Being able to make everything in one pan is amazing. Made making dinner a breeze! thank you so much for this recipe. I will be making this recipe all the time now.

      Reply
    11. Shelby

      January 14, 2023 at 8:31 am

      5 stars
      The tomatoes + balsamic in this dish makes for such a tasty flavor! And the fact that it can be whipped up in one pot made my Monday night so much easier!

      Reply
    12. Vladka

      January 14, 2023 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      It looked very tasty with all the colors on the plate I drizzled it with a balsamic glaze before serving and it was delicious.

      Reply

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

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