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Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts

These juicy and tender Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts are made in one pan and done in 30 minutes. This will be your new go-to stovetop chicken recipe for busy weeknight dinners!

top view of four chicken breasts in a skillet with creamy balsamic sauce

Stovetop chicken breasts are a quick and effortless meal solution, perfect for busy individuals needing a convenient dinner option. Often, I’ve found myself thawing chicken without a set recipe in mind, leading to spontaneous and creative culinary moments. This approach led to the creation of my special recipe for juicy skillet balsamic chicken breasts, a lucky yet delicious blend of simplicity and flavor.

Why I Love This Balsamic Chicken Recipe

  • Quick and convenient. Ready in just 30 minutes and cooked in a single pan, these Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts are the perfect solution for busy families.
  • Versatile and adaptable. This recipe not only stands out on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from vegetables to grains, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
  • Flavorful. The simple preparation of this chicken is elevated by the rich, sweet, and tangy balsamic glaze, ensuring a dish that’s not only juicy and tender but also packed with great flavors.
balsamic sauce cooking in a skillet

Recipe Ingredients

  • Olive Oil: Substitute with canola or vegetable oil.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You could also make this with boneless pork chops or turkey breasts.
  • Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness, body, and flavor to the sauce.
  • Yellow Onion: Swap with white onion or shallots.
  • Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder, using 1/2 teaspoon per clove.
  • Italian Seasoning: Use equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you are out of it.
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds sweet and tangy notes to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth will also work.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a creamy texture. Half & Half, full-fat coconut milk, or evaporated milk can also be used.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken Breasts

  1. Prep: Heat your oil in a large skillet. Using a meat mallet, pound down the chicken breasts to a 1-inch thickness and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook: Add the chicken to the heated oil and cook them for 5 minutes, undisturbed. Flip the chicken breasts over and add a tablespoon of butter; continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Rest: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside. Keep them covered.
  4. Sauce: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the diced onions and cook them until very soft. Stir frequently. Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for another 20 seconds. Add the Italian seasoning, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk in the chicken broth and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced a bit.
  5. Reduce: Lower heat to medium and whisk in the cream. Whisk for about 30 seconds so that the sauce doesn’t start to boil. Let sauce come to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, or just until the chicken is heated through.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with basil ribbons and serve. 
spooning creamy balsamic sauce over chicken

Recipe Tips

  • Let it cook. When you first add the chicken to the skillet, suppress the urge to touch it. Let it stay in the pan for 5 minutes completely undisturbed. 
  • Making the sauce. Instead of making sauce at the same time as you cook the chicken, I like to use the same pan that I cooked the chicken in, that way, you don’t lose out on any of the flavor. Make sure you use your whisk to scrape up the little brown bits. That is what really adds to the sauce. 
  • Whisk. Make sure to whisk continually after adding your cream. You don’t want the sauce to boil at this point. 
  • Garnishes. You can garnish with fresh chopped basil, but you could also use fresh chopped parsley if you’re out of basil. Basil has a powerful aroma and it goes nicely with balsamic. 

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve chicken with these creamy baked mashed potatoes, rice, or over noodles. I also love these zucchini fries and these instant pot baked potatoes, as well as my grilled potato wedges. Even lighter, throw together a mix of these roasted brussels sprouts and radishes or a big mac salad to serve on the side with balsamic chicken breasts. 

side view of four cooked chicken breasts topped with balsamic sauce and parsley

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Let the chicken breasts come to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and spoon the sauce over them. Store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • To reheat, simply return the chicken and the sauce to a skillet over low heat until the chicken is heated through. If the sauce has gotten too thick, you can add a little chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. 

More Easy Chicken Recipes

side view of four cooked chicken breasts topped with balsamic sauce and parsley
Print Recipe
5 from 32 votes

Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts

Whip up these juicy and tender Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts in just 30 minutes using only one pan.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: balsamic chicken, balsamic chicken breast, balsamic chicken recipe, chicken breast recipe, skillet chicken breast
Servings: 4
Calories: 351kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1-inch thickness
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
  • Pound the chicken breasts down to 1-inch thickness and season them with salt and pepper; add them to the heated oil and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
  • Flip the chicken breasts over; add 1 tablespoon butter and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until cooked through. Internal temperature should register at 165˚F.
  • Remove chicken breasts from skillet and set aside; keep them covered.
  • Add remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in diced onions and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until very soft. Stir frequently. If they start to burn, lower the heat.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Stir in Italian seasoning, sugar, and balsamic vinegar; cook for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the chicken broth; continue to whisk and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Increase the heat to High and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced a bit.
  • Lower heat to medium and whisk in the cream; whisk continually for about 30 seconds so that the sauce doesn’t start to boil.
  • Let sauce come to a simmer; add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or just until chicken is heated through.
  • Remove from heat. Sauce will thicken as it stands.
  • Garnish with basil and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

84 Comments

  • Jen
    Jun 1, 2020 at 9:41 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is a keeper! Every other time that I’ve attempted to make chicken in a skillet it’s been dry and not very flavorful. This was anything but! Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 2, 2020 at 5:00 pm

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it!! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Beth
    Jun 1, 2020 at 9:46 pm

    5 stars
    I love this! Definitely a new dinner item for us! I can’t wait to make this!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 2, 2020 at 4:59 pm

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    Jun 2, 2020 at 12:42 am

    5 stars
    These Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts would disappear in our house!

    Reply
  • Suzy
    Jun 2, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    The flavor the balsamic gives the chicken is incredible! Loved it!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 3, 2020 at 8:52 pm

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Sara Welch
    Jun 2, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    5 stars
    Loved the balance of flavors in one dish! Looking forward to leftovers again this evening!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 3, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      Thank you so much, Sara! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Jacque Hastert
    Jun 4, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    5 stars
    Love the simplicity of this dinner! Packed with flavor and made in minutes. Can’t beat an easy dinner like this.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 4, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      Thank you so much, Jacque! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  • Kevin
    Jun 8, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken dish has all the right flavors! Love it!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 9, 2020 at 6:33 pm

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Stephanie
    Jul 8, 2020 at 1:58 am

    So excited to use this recipe! Are the calories and nutritional information based on one chicken breast or on 4 servings? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Jul 8, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      Hi!
      Yep, the nutritional info is already divided into 4 servings; so 1 serving is 350 calories, 6 carbs, 25 g protein, and so on.

      Reply
  • Suzanne
    Jul 20, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    This look so good! I love that it is so simple and could be served with a variety of side dishes!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jul 21, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Vanessa
    Jul 20, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

    Reply
  • Debbie
    Jul 20, 2020 at 9:52 pm

    Do you think I could make this without the heavy cream? The sauce could be more like an au jus? (Don’t want to make a store trip for one item)

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Jul 21, 2020 at 1:14 am

      Hi! Yep, you can make it without the heavy cream.. it won’t be creamy, but it will still taste great. 😊

      Reply
  • Daniela
    Aug 28, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Hy, i’m Daniela…greetings from Romania and biiiig fan of you… 🙂
    i’ve submitted for Diethood from the mom i discovered your site 4, 5 yars…
    every post of you i’ve pinned and shared because you have an amazing ALL, recipes , photos , site
    so now i hava question : where do i submitt for this site of you?
    thank you,
    truly big fan of you , Daniela
    and keep going to be bigger than now!

    Reply
  • Jill
    Sep 28, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    5 stars
    OMG this is absolutely delicious. I used light cream because that’s what I had, it’s amazing!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Sep 29, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Delia
    Nov 25, 2020 at 1:12 am

    5 stars
    This recipe was so good!! Our only complaint was we wanted more delicious sauce! Definitely going to double the sauce recipe next time so I can slather it on everything 😂

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Dec 1, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Darl Kiernan
    Jan 9, 2021 at 3:09 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe!! My husband LOVED it. He said it’s the best skillet chicken I’ve ever made thanks to your cooking tips.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 12, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      That’s great to hear! I am very glad you and your husband enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Connie
    Jan 21, 2021 at 11:15 pm

    5 stars
    It’s a keeper. Thank you!! Easy and delicious.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 22, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Thank YOU! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Tasha
    Jan 25, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    Can I use beefs broth instead if that’s all I have? Will it ruin the flavor of the chicken dish?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Jan 25, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      Hi!
      It will definitely add a bit of a different flavor, but I don’t think it will ruin the dish.

      Reply
  • Marsha Wright
    Feb 2, 2021 at 11:56 pm

    5 stars
    Loved it and it was a total hit for dinner tonight!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Feb 3, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank YOU!

      Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Feb 4, 2021 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Heather
    Feb 5, 2021 at 4:09 am

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! I had a large package of chicken so it took a bit of time to cook it all but it was definitely worth it. Because I had so much chicken I actually doubled the sauce recipe which was a good call because my family loved the sauce and poured it over the chicken and mashed potatoes I made to go with it. I will be making this again for sure!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Feb 9, 2021 at 3:52 pm

      That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Natalie Walaan
    Feb 10, 2021 at 1:23 am

    5 stars
    So amazing!! It was some of the best chicken I have had in a long time! I took a couple pictures because it was picture worthy! Can I share pictures on here!?

    Reply
  • Diane
    Feb 15, 2021 at 1:41 am

    5 stars
    Just made this and so good! I took someone’s advice and doubled the sauce and I’m so happy I did. I did not have cream so used pet milk instead. This is a keeper!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Feb 16, 2021 at 4:24 pm

      Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Tina Cross
    Feb 17, 2021 at 11:56 pm

    5 stars
    This was wonderful! Made with mashed potatoes and put some of the sauce on top, absolutely yummy! Definitely a keeper!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Feb 18, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Denise
    Feb 18, 2021 at 12:24 am

    5 stars
    I’m not sure how to write this review… my mouth is still rendering the amazing flavors of this recipe! I cook chicken all the time (3-5xs/week) and always looking for new recipes but this one is over the top. Even for a weeknight dinner… it was well worth the extra time. I’ve already shared this with my daughter. Can’t wait to make it again.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Feb 18, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      That’s great to hear! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Meagan
    Feb 25, 2021 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness!! Where has this been all my life! If I can drink balsamic I will be happy! So this just hit the right spot! And so simple to make! So yummy!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Mar 2, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Helena
    Mar 11, 2021 at 1:48 am

    5 stars
    Made this for supper tonight and I absolutely enjoyed every bite!! I will make this again

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Mar 11, 2021 at 6:23 pm

      I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Terri
    Mar 13, 2021 at 9:57 pm

    Hi. I am assuming yes, but can you substitute half and half for the heavy cream? Would you need to make any other adjustments?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Mar 14, 2021 at 1:17 am

      Yep, that works, too! You don’t need to adjust anything else. It might not be AS creamy as intended, but it will still definitely work, and it’s just as delicious. 😊

      Reply
  • Clara
    Apr 1, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    Want to try this but my grandson can’t have dairy. We still want the creaminess. Do you know if a good nondairy substitute for the cream?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Apr 1, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      Hi!
      There are a number of non-dairy creams that you can try using, like coconut cream, soy milk with olive oil, cashew cream, etc… They all make great dairy-free substitutes for heavy cream.
      You can also try using a cornstarch slurry just to thicken the chicken broth. Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water; whisk it until completely combined. Then, whisk the slurry into the chicken broth/sauce in the skillet, and continue to cook for just a bit, or until the sauce starts to thicken.
      Hope that helps. 😊

      Reply
  • Evelyn Garza
    Apr 29, 2021 at 6:39 pm

    This was the best recipe I’ve tried so far! I absolutely loved it and will definitely become one that I make on a recurring basis and share with others.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 4, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Kathleen
    Jul 31, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    5 stars
    I have made this a couple of times. Each time I enjoyed immensely. Definitely a keeper.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Aug 3, 2021 at 11:55 am

      That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Maria
    Oct 1, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    There are diced tomatoes in the instructions but not in the ingredient list. Is it a 14.5 ounce can or fresh?

    Reply
  • Bonnie
    Nov 30, 2021 at 7:47 pm

    5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious. So good that I could drink the sauce by itself. Only change was I used chicken tenders do it would cook quicker.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Dec 1, 2021 at 10:03 am

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
    • C
      May 16, 2023 at 12:03 pm

      Do you remember how many chicken tenders and did you cook for same amount of time?

      Reply
  • Stephanie
    May 30, 2022 at 8:21 pm

    5 stars
    Just finished eating this for dinner over mushroom ravioli. It was delicious!!!

    Reply
  • Stacy
    Aug 9, 2022 at 8:26 pm

    5 stars
    So good ! Next time I’ll double the sauce. 😋

    Reply
  • Pheobe Simkins
    Oct 8, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    5 stars
    This is so easy and absolutely delicious. Everyone cleans their plate and asks for more. Thanks for sharing such a taste recipe.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 12, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Meagan F
    Oct 16, 2022 at 10:09 pm

    This was absolutely PERFECT. I doubled the sauce as others have said, just fantastic. I served with rice, we all just loved it. Give me a straw for this sauce. Will definitely make this again soon. YUMMMMM

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 17, 2022 at 11:54 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you and your family enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Alysia
    Jan 23, 2023 at 4:39 pm

    5 stars
    100% a keeper! I’m not super into heavy cream (kind of silly when you read the title of the recipe lol) so I only added a little under a cup to start and the flavor was already spectacular. I’m sure you can make this without heavy cream and it would be fabulous

    Reply
    • Alysia
      Jan 23, 2023 at 4:40 pm

      *little under a 1/4 cup

      Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 24, 2023 at 1:03 pm

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Gina
    Feb 15, 2024 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    The flavor is INCREDIBLE! We loved it.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 2:06 pm

      So happy to hear you loved the incredible flavor! Enjoy your meals! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Amanda
    Feb 15, 2024 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    I’m always searching for new chicken recipes to make for dinner, so I’m SO glad I found this one! It’s so great for our family of 4, and meal prep!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 2:05 pm

      It’s wonderful to hear this chicken recipe was a great find for your family and meal prep needs! I’m glad it fits so well into your dinner rotation. Enjoy your cooking! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
    Feb 15, 2024 at 9:52 pm

    5 stars
    It was so delicious! I’m definitely making this again for dinner!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 2:04 pm

      I’m glad to hear it was delicious! Looking forward to you enjoying it again for dinner. Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Sandra
    Feb 15, 2024 at 11:22 pm

    5 stars
    I love one pan dishes and this is definitely my new go to for easy and delicious dinner! It was easy to make and turned out so flavorful!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 2:03 pm

      Great to hear you’ve found a new go-to one pan dish! It’s wonderful when something so easy to make turns out so flavorful. Enjoy your delicious dinners! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Catalina
    Feb 16, 2024 at 8:40 am

    5 stars
    Your recipe for Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts has become a new favorite in our house. The chicken was so tender, and the sauce was to die for!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 2:02 pm

      Fantastic to hear the Skillet Balsamic Chicken Breasts recipe is a new favorite in your home! It’s wonderful that the chicken turned out tender and the sauce was a hit. Enjoy your meals! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Janelle
    Feb 16, 2024 at 12:49 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness, this was so good! YUM!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm

      So glad you loved it! YUM indeed! Enjoy every bite. Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • April
    Feb 16, 2024 at 4:33 pm

    5 stars
    This was incredible! So easy to make and oh my gosh, the FLAVOR

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Feb 19, 2024 at 1:48 pm

      I’m so glad to hear you found it incredible and easy to make! It’s always exciting when the flavors really stand out. Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply

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