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Irresistible One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Easy and Perfect

one-pan balsamic chicken - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan balsamic chicken with cherry tomatoes that delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, slightly sweet balsamic glaze paired with burst cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes (about 300 grams)
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar (80 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  3. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes without moving them to create crispy skin.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken temporarily onto a plate. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  6. Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan. Toss gently to coat with garlic and oil, letting them soften for 2-3 minutes until they start bursting and releasing juice.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey evenly over everything. Give the pan a gentle shake to combine flavors.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and tomatoes are soft and caramelized. Sauce should thicken slightly.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top.
  10. Serve warm with some of the balsamic tomato sauce spooned over the chicken.

Notes

Dry chicken skin before searing for crispiness. Use good-quality aged balsamic vinegar for best flavor. If glaze isn’t thickening enough, reduce sauce on stove for 1-2 minutes. Can substitute honey with maple syrup. Use boneless skinless chicken breasts with reduced oven time (15-20 minutes) if preferred. Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, one-pan recipe, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, balsamic glaze, healthy chicken, weeknight meal