One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Juicy one-pan balsamic chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This easy dinner comes together so easily and will surely become a family favorite!

Ingredients:
Sauce:
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp oil, such as avocado or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Tomato, Mozzarella:
8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil

Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 Tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, toss together the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 400F.
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper, to taste. When the pan is hot and oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly golden brown. Add the balsamic sauce mixture. It should quickly come to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Immediately remove the pan from the heat and add the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through. Internal temperature should register at 165F. Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:
– Mozzarella: If using ciliegine mozzarella, also known as “cherry size” fresh mozzarella then cut it in half. If using “pearls” which are smaller size mozzarella balls, then no need to cut in half.
– Chicken: To pound the chicken, place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or into a gallon size Ziploc bag, and using a mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to even thickness. Make sure not to skip this step. It helps the chicken cook evenly, tenderizes the meat, and results in moist meat.

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