For those who own nothing but a meager skillet and not much of their own time, a one-pot meal is much needed. Preferably one that doesn’t include an ingredient list with double digits. I like recommending this one, but some people don’t have an oven, which becomes a bit of a problem when it’s a baking sheet kind of recipe. But this balsamic chicken only requires one pot or or skillet, or anything that will endure the heat of a stovetop burner. I fought my instincts to add as many spices and herbs as I could and kept it simple.
For this Mediterranean inspired balsamic chicken, it’s all about keeping things minimal and fresh. Using chicken breast tenderloins means less cooking time and the fresh cherry tomatoes will blister fairly quickly. The fresh mozzarella pearls and basil are last minute additions and the lacking of chopping means very little effort. Cherry tomatoes simmered in balsamic vinegar will get sweet and tangy, so it’s a way to add flavors with less ingredients.
This balsamic chicken is a very forgivable and easily customizable recipe. With a little bit of courage and confidence, you can eyeball everything. The margin for error is rather high. Just follow a simple rule of one: 1 pint of tomatoes, 1 mini pearl packets, and 1 chicken tenderloin tray.
When it comes to things like garlic and basil, everyone knows those are better measured with the heart. The only real risk here is eyeballing the balsamic, but moderation is always recommended in cooking. Adding a little bit of it at a time will always yield good results.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown. Then remove the chicken and cook the tomatoes in balsamic vinegar until blistering. Cooking cherry tomatoes in hot oil means they’ll get juicy and sweet, making them an excellent ingredient to add to things like toasts and dips.
The fresh mozzarella is added at the very last minute, just long enough until they melt. As always, if you make this Balsamic Chicken, please let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
One-Pot Balsamic Chicken
2-4
servings5
minutes20
minutesIngredients
14oz chicken breast tenderloins
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
8oz fresh mozzarella pearls
salt and black pepper
fresh basil
Directions
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add remaining olive oil to same skillet. Add the tomatoes and let them sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes to blister on the bottom.
Season with salt and pepper. Add the garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and bring to a simmer.
Add the chicken back to skillet and cook for until throughly cooked.
Add mozzarella pearls and cover. Cook until mozzarella has melted, 1-2 minutes.
Uncover, top with freshly cracked black pepper and basil. Serve.
