Easy Balsamic Chicken

This easy balsamic chicken is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes. The tomatoes and balsamic vinegar make a delicious, savory, and tangy sauce for a gluten-free, filling family dinner everyone will enjoy!

This is one of my favorite chicken dinner recipes; I love how simple it is but the flavors come together beautifully. The chicken gets nice and juicy from pan-searing it, and then the fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar create a sauce that’s just irresistible. 

This easy balsamic chicken recipe is a hit with my family every single time since 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. It’s super quick and easy to make, but the flavors will make everyone feel like you spent hours in the chicken. 

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! And I love that this gluten-free recipe doesn't sacrifice any flavor or texture like some others do. 

The chicken comes out super tender and moist from pan-searing it, and the balsamic vinegar adds this deep, unique flavor. Plus, throwing in some basil and that tomato feta gives it a nice Mediterranean feel too, making this dish really special for gluten-free cooking. 

The best part is just how versatile this one-pan dinner meal is. You can serve it as the main dish for a hearty dinner or add it to a light lunch for extra protein.  The balsamic and tomatoes make this sauce that's just perfect for drizzling over gluten-free pasta or roasted veggies on the side.

Plus, this chicken breast recipe tastes even better the next day so feel free to double it for an easy leftover dinner tomorrow! Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this recipe as soon as you try it!

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Chicken

• Quick and easy: This balsamic chicken recipe is a quick one-pan dinner that can be whipped up in just twenty minutes. It is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is completely gluten-free making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to reduce their gluten intake. 
• Simple ingredients: Made with just a handful of ingredients like chicken breasts, olive oil, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and basil, this recipe is simple yet flavorful. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible and likely already in your pantry!
• Family-friendly: This balsamic chicken is a real crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. The juicy chicken, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet tomatoes combine to create a dish that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
• Perfect for beginner cooks: With easy-to-follow instructions and simple cooking techniques, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s a great way to learn the basics of pan-frying and creating a delicious sauce.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this gluten-free dinner are straightforward and easy to find. Whether you're shopping at your local grocery store or ordering online, these everyday items will be readily available.

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: This lean protein is the star of this dish. When we trim off the fat and flatten them with a meat mallet, they cook evenly and become incredibly tender. You could also opt for chicken tenders for an even quicker and easier option.
• Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. They're key to any savory dish!
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for pan-frying the chicken. It not only prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan but also adds a subtle flavor that compliments the other ingredients.
• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of color and sweetness to the dish. They cook down with the balsamic vinegar to create a delicious sauce that brings the whole meal together.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A key ingredient, balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness to the dish. It pairs beautifully with the tomatoes to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Basil and Tomato Flavored Feta: This ingredient adds a creamy, tangy element to the dish. The basil and tomato flavors in the feta enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce. I love using this in pasta salads too. Feel free to use regular feta cheese if you can't find it. 
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves not only garnish the dish but also add a fragrant, peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and balsamic sauce.

How to Make Easy Balsamic Chicken

This chicken dinner comes together quickly in one pan. Follow these simple steps for a family-friendly, gluten-free meal everyone will love! For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Step 1.

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until they reach an even thickness. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2. 

Preheat the Pan: Add two tablespoons of oil to a skillet and preheat it to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, swirl it around to make sure that the pan is covered.

Step 3.

Cook the Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium and place the chicken in the pan. Cook for about five to six minutes on each side without disturbing them to allow for proper browning. The chicken should no longer be pink in the middle and should reach a temperature of approximately 165°.

Step 4.

Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with foil to let it rest.

Step 5. 

Prepare the Sauce: Add one more tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, followed by the tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst open. Add two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits.

Step 6.

Combine and Serve: Return the chicken and its juices to the pan. Top the dish with feta and fresh basil, then serve and enjoy your delicious balsamic chicken!

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: If you're vegetarian, you can easily substitute the chicken with tofu or a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as tofu and mushrooms cook faster than chicken.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic vinegar and tomato sauce. It will give your dish a spicy kick you’ll love!
• Extra Cheesy: For a cheesy version, add a layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken before adding the feta and basil. The melted mozzarella will add a creamy, comforting touch to your dish.
• Extra Vegetables: If you're looking to add more veggies to your diet, you can toss in some spinach or bell peppers into the pan when you're cooking the tomatoes. They will add a burst of color and extra nutrients to your meal.

Helpful Tips

Making a delicious, gluten-free balsamic chicken dish will be super easy with this straightforward recipe. However, these cooking tips will make sure you achieve the best possible results every time:

• Even the chicken thickness: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to achieve an even thickness. This helps make sure that chicken cooks uniformly, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
• Preheat your skillet: Always preheat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps to seal in the juices and gives the chicken a nice, golden brown color.
• Don't rush the browning process: Once your chicken is in the pan, resist the urge to keep moving it around. Let it cook undisturbed for about five or six minutes per side. This allows it to brown nicely, enhancing the flavor.
• Check your chicken's temperature: To guarantee that your chicken is cooked to perfection, it should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°. Remember, overcooked chicken can be dry and tough.
• Enhance the balsamic flavor: If you're a fan of balsamic, consider drizzling a little balsamic glaze over your finished dish. This will intensify the tangy, sweet flavor.
• Use uniform chicken pieces: If you're looking to save time, opt for chicken tenderness at the grocery store. They're typically more uniform in size, which makes the cooking process even quicker and easier.

Dietary Substitutions

This balsamic chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn't contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, it does require some adaptations to make it suitable for vegan, dairy-free, paleo, whole30, and keto diets.

• To Make This Recipe Vegan and Dairy-Free: To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, you can substitute the chicken breasts with tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute. Instead of the basil and tomato flavored feta, use a vegan cheese alternative or simply opt for fresh basil and tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Friend: This recipe is already Paleo and Whole30 compatible as it contains whole, unprocessed ingredients. Just make sure to use a compliant balsamic vinegar (without added sugars or artificial ingredients) and skip the feta cheese to keep it dairy-free.
• To Make This Recipe Keto Friendly: This balsamic chicken is also keto-friendly as it is low in carbs. However, you may want to reduce the amount of tomatoes used, as they contain natural sugars that can add up. Also, make sure the balsamic vinegar used is low in carbs and doesn't contain any added sugars.

Storage Instructions

To refrigerate: Leftovers of this balsamic chicken dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three to four days. 

To freeze: Unfortunately, this dish may not freeze well due to the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar sauce. The texture of the tomatoes could become mushy once thawed. 

To reheat: To reheat this dish, gently warm it up in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating to maintain its juiciness. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This balsamic chicken is a delicious one-pan meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, this dish can be the centerpiece of your meal or a delicious accompaniment. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Mains: This balsamic chicken can be the star of your main course. Pair it with gluten-free pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. 
• Salads: For a lighter meal, serve this balsamic chicken atop your favorite salad. Whether it is a classic Greek salad, a tangy quinoa salad, or a refreshing cucumber salad, this chicken will add a robust flavor to your leafy greens. 
• Sides: Compliment this dish with a side of vegetables. Roasted green beans, easy roasted broccoli, or a colorful vegetable stir-fry would be perfect partners for our balsamic chicken. 
• Grain Bowls: Create a balanced, nutritious grain bowl by adding this balsamic chicken to a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or millet. Add some roasted veggies and a drizzle of your favorite gluten-free dressing for an extra punch of flavor. 
• Wraps and Sandwiches: Slice this balsamic chicken and add it to your gluten-free wraps or sandwiches. It pairs well with fresh vegetables, avocado, and with a dollop of hummus for a satisfying lunch or dinner. 

Recipe

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 11 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: easy balsamic chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes 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

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