Description
This one-pan balsamic chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 lbs total)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Pound to even ½-inch thickness and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until very hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
3. Place chicken in the pan without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes on the second side.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken to the sides and add minced garlic to the center. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let bubble for 30-60 seconds.
6. Nestle chicken back into the glaze. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, basting chicken with sauce every 2 minutes.
7. Check that chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
8. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and glossy.
9. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon remaining glaze over chicken.
Notes
For extra juicy results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
The glaze will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, thin with a tablespoon of water or broth.
Leftovers store beautifully for up to 4 days and make excellent meal prep for salads and grain bowls.
Don’t skip the resting time—it allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
For a thicker glaze, continue reducing the sauce after removing the chicken until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: balsamic chicken, one pan chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken breast recipe