This easy Skillet Balsamic Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple one-pan dinner idea that’s protein-packed, mega flavorful and done in 30 minutes!
Skillet Balsamic Garlic Chicken (Easy One-Pan Dinner)
If you need a fast, flavor-packed chicken dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together with pantry staples this skillet balsamic garlic chicken is it. We’re talking juicy chicken, deeply caramelized mushrooms, and a glossy balsamic garlic sauce that tastes like it simmered all day… but is actually ready in about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan = easy cleanup
- Ready in 30 minutes (weeknight win)
- High Protein! If you’re into that type of thing this is a protein-packed, flavor bomb!
- Big, bold flavor from garlic + balsamic
- Versatile! Works with chicken breasts or thigh and pairs with basically anything (rice, pasta, veggies)
Key Ingredients (and Why They Work)
The full ringredient list is at the bottom in the recipe card!
- Chicken breasts. Lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar. Adds tangy sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (don’t skimp!) This is the backbone of the flavor.
- Mushrooms. Soak up the sauce and add richness. You can absolutely omit them if you want to, but they are SO good I wouldn’t!
- Chicken broth (or stock) builds a savory base and another easy way to add a layer of flavor.
- Butter. This finishes the sauce so it’s silky and balanced.
- Thyme + bay leaf. Adds subtle herb flavor that makes everything taste “complete”.
How to Make Balsamic Garlic Chicken
Again, make sure to jump down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe with detailed instructions.
- Sear the Chicken: Season generously with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet until golden on both sides.
- Add Garlic + Mushrooms: Toss them right into the pan and let them cook down until soft and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, then add thyme and a bay leaf.
- Simmer: Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in butter at the end for a rich, glossy sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use thin chicken breasts (or pound them) for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want a good sear on the chicken for added flavor!
- Let the sauce reduce uncovered at the end for deeper flavor.
- Taste before serving. Balsamic can vary in sweetness from brand to brand, so add more as needed!
Easy Variations
- Make it creamy with a splash of cream or milk
- Add honey for a slightly sweet balsamic glaze
- Swap mushrooms for onions or spinach
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Add some crushed red pepper for heat!
What to Serve with Balsamic Chicken
This is one of those “goes with everything” dinners:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or pasta
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread for that sauce!
Storage & Meal Prep
- Meal prep tip: Slice chicken before storing for easier reheating
- Fridge: 3 – 4 days in an airtight container
- Reheat: Gently on the stove or microwave
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Skillet Balsamic Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Dinner
Description
This easy Skillet Balsamic Garlic Chicken is a simple one pot dish that is packed with flavor and done in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, sliced or pounded 1/2 inch thick
- salt and pepper to season chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
Instructions
- Season the raw chicken liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium high heat.
- When skillet and oil are hot, place the chicken in the skillet evenly. Cook the chicken on one side for 5 minutes until browned, flip the chicken and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Add the garlic and the mushrooms into the pan and stir to combine. Work the mushrooms under the chicken, so the chicken is sitting on top of the mushrooms.
- Cook this for 5 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften. Add in the vinegar, broth, Bay leaf and thyme.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Then uncover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Lastly add in the butter and cook for 2 more minutes.
- This easy chicken dinner recipe is delicious over rice, pasta or potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 337
- Sugar: 5.7 g
- Sodium: 830.7 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.7 g
- Protein: 36.2 g
- Cholesterol: 119.6 mg
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I added about a quarter of a yellow onion. It was delicious!
This recipe was easy and highly delicious. Easily a five star recipe and I hope to make it again soon. Husband approved! YUM.
So glad you liked it! It’s a favorite in my house!
I love you Jane… dont be a snowflake
This sounds absolutely delicious. Making it tonight, but I always double up the sauce ingredients for pasta and soaking bread…
I added red onion in with the mushrooms and served this over cauliflower mashed tonight…SO good! Thanks for sharing!
I just made this recipe and it was a wonderful dinner! I didn’t have any mushrooms but will definitely add them next time. I made potato pancakes and a salad. Lovely dinner, thank you .
The chicken was overcooked…..30 minutes of total cooking time is too long. The broth did not thicken and I certainly didn’t want to cook it any longer. If I try it again I will add a thickening agent such as corn starch or flour. The redeeming factor is the flavor was good. Love the garlic and balsamic taste.
Sounds like you are a microwave person. Learn more about cooking and less about complaining. Simple cooking 101
Not a helpful comment . I thought Sharon actually made get adjustments. Pounded out chicken will never take 30 minutes stovetop as suggested
Totally agree. Way too long cooking time . And not thick. I am modifying this as I go. I shaved off half the time for sure.
Next time I’m going to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I felt the chicken breasts were too dry. Other than that, great flavor & easy recipe.
Thanks for sharing.?
Delicious!!!!! Next time I will cook the chicken less. 23 minutes of cooking made it too dry. But oh my goodness this was so so good!!!!