Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken with Melted Mozzarella & Roasted Tomatoes

Experience a truly unforgettable meal with this Balsamic Chicken breast recipe. Tender chicken is generously rubbed with aromatic garlic and herbs, then baked to perfection in a rich, tangy-sweet tomato balsamic sauce. Topped with a generous layer of gooey, melted mozzarella, this dish strikes the perfect balance between gourmet and effortlessly simple. It’s the kind of dinner that feels incredibly fancy but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

What makes this balsamic baked chicken truly stand out is its incredible juiciness and depth of flavor. The magic lies in the vibrant combination of high-quality balsamic vinegar, sweet fresh grape tomatoes, delicately sliced red onions, and just the right touch of fragrant garlic. These ingredients meld together as they roast, creating a luscious sauce that permeates every fiber of the chicken. Prepare yourself for one of the easiest, most flavorful, and utterly delicious chicken balsamic vinegar recipes you will ever try – a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Balsamic Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

What makes this balsamic chicken recipe truly shine is its masterful balance of vibrant flavors and unparalleled simplicity. It’s designed to deliver maximum taste with minimal fuss, making it a staple in any kitchen.

The Magic of Balsamic Glaze

The star of the show, balsamic vinegar, transforms in the oven into a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully. This reduction isn’t just a sauce; it’s a flavor infusion, soaking deeply into every tender bite of chicken. As the chicken roasts, it absorbs these complex notes, ensuring a juicy and intensely flavorful experience from the inside out. The sweet acidity of the balsamic perfectly cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese, creating a well-rounded and harmonious dish.

Effortless Elegance

This dish isn’t just about great flavor; it’s about ease. Whether you’re seeking a truly hands-off balsamic baked chicken for a busy evening or searching for a no-fuss chicken balsamic vinegar recipe that feels special enough for guests, this one delivers on all fronts. All the ingredients come together in a single baking dish, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation and less time scrubbing dishes. The combination of simple preparation and impressive results makes it an instant classic.

Perfectly Paired Flavors and Textures

Beyond the balsamic, the fresh grape tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness as they roast, creating pockets of bright flavor that complement the savory chicken. The red onion slices soften and sweeten, adding another layer of aromatic depth. And, of course, the crowning glory: gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Its creamy, mild taste provides a comforting contrast to the tangy sauce, enveloping the chicken in a blanket of irresistible cheesy goodness. This symphony of textures – tender chicken, bursting tomatoes, soft onions, and melted cheese – makes every forkful a delight.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Balsamic Chicken

You only need a few fresh, quality ingredients and common pantry staples to bring this spectacular balsamic chicken to life. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the bold glaze, juicy vegetables, and irresistible gooey mozzarella that make every bite something truly special. Here are the stars of the show and why they’re essential:

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless and skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and quick cooking time. They stay wonderfully tender and juicy, readily soaking up the flavorful balsamic marinade. For a slightly richer dish, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used, offering even more moisture and robust flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This is the undisputed hero of the recipe, providing that signature sweet and tangy glaze. As it bakes and reduces, it transforms into a syrupy, concentrated sauce that beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables. While any variety works, a good-quality aged balsamic will lend a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Grape Tomatoes: Halved and roasted until they burst, these little gems add a burst of juicy sweetness and a slight acidity. They balance the savory balsamic flavors and add a fresh, vibrant element to the dish. Cherry tomatoes can be used as a delicious alternative.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella is key for that perfect, gooey, melted finish. It blankets the chicken, creating a rich, creamy texture and a mild, comforting flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sauce. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, as they often contain anti-caking agents that prevent optimal melting.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion softens and sweetens as it roasts, adding a delicate aromatic sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast to the dish.
• Garlic: Generous amounts of minced garlic infuse the chicken and sauce with an aromatic depth that is simply irresistible. It’s used both in the initial seasoning and in the balsamic sauce for maximum flavor impact.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps to tenderize the chicken, conduct heat, and ensures the herbs and spices adhere beautifully. It also aids in roasting the vegetables to perfection.
• Dried Herbs (Oregano & Basil): These classic Italian herbs impart an aromatic, earthy base that complements the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar in the balsamic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the vinegar and tomatoes, helping the glaze to caramelize beautifully and adding a delightful depth.
• Salt & Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors and bring them into harmony.

Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with precise measurements.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Balsamic Chicken

Creating this delicious balsamic chicken is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly impressive meal that comes together with ease.

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 220°C (430°F). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a suitable baking dish. A ceramic or glass dish works best for even cooking and easy cleanup. Set the prepared dish aside; this ensures everything is ready when you start assembling your chicken.

2. Season the Chicken: Carefully place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle over the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Use your hands to gently rub the seasoning all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor penetration.

3. Add Tomatoes and Onions: Around the seasoned chicken breasts, generously scatter the halved grape tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure they are somewhat evenly distributed in the dish. As they roast, these vegetables will soften beautifully, release their natural juices, and infuse the entire dish with sweet and savory flavors, contributing to the rich pan sauce.

4. Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and the remaining minced garlic until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This creates the incredible tangy-sweet glaze. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish. Gently flip each chicken breast once in the sauce to ensure it’s thoroughly coated, allowing it to absorb all that wonderful flavor during baking.

5. Bake and Broil: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts; ensure they are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven, evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and broil (or grill) for an additional 4–5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden-brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

6. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is golden and bubbling, remove the dish from the oven. For a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve this incredible balsamic chicken with your favorite sides, such as fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or crusty bread, to soak up every last drop of the irresistible pan juices and rich balsamic tomato sauce.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions for Your Balsamic Chicken

This versatile balsamic chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a comforting and hearty plate, consider serving your chicken with fluffy plain rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or our popular Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes. These options are excellent for soaking up the incredible balsamic tomato sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

If you’re looking for a pasta-inspired meal, serve it alongside a simple buttered pasta, or elevate your dinner with a Caprese Pasta Salad for a flavorful and substantial twist. A fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette also makes a fantastic accompaniment, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Prefer something lighter? Opt for a vibrant Balsamic Chickpea Feta Salad, or pair it with our delectable Feta, Bacon and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Rolls for an extra boost of flavor. Don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to perfectly capture every delicious drop of that tangy balsamic glaze and pan juices.