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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Does this have to be expensive balsamic vinegar. I’ve bought from the grocery store before it it was very acidic
It’s up to your personal preference…obviously the better the vinegar, the better the taste 🙂
You can take even a cheap balsamic vinegar and put it in a small saucepan an
d reduce it down over slow heat and it turns into a very tasty balsamic.
Leave the mushrooms out and this will be yummy!! If my mushroom loving hubbie wants mushrooms, he can cook it!
I made this tonight, now one of my favourite chicken recipe, will totally be making again
Best skillet chicken I’ve ever tasted!
I made this tonight for dinner and quite honestly, it left my husband speechless. He really loved the tangy taste from the Balsamic Vinegar and the mushrooms were so tasty. I served the mushrooms & garlic like a gravy that we poured over our mashed potatoes as well. I served it with sauteed kale (also infused with garlic). Needless to say, we stayed in tonight and are not going to subject anyone else to our “garlic breath”. It was so worth it though… we will most definitely be making this again for dinner soon.
Just tried this recipe tonight! It was DELICIOUS. I’ll be making it again tomorrow night haha. <3 Thank you!
Looks like this chicken can be my favorite too 😀 must try recipe.
This looks so wonderful. I’m going to have to try this recipe!
Mmmm – I adore skillet meals too – they seriously make life SO MUCH EASIER. hahah and when you said, your kids pick out the mushrooms – I automatically thought of my husband, he would do the same.
This recipe sounds perfect for any night!
Yum yum! I will tell my mushroom adverse husband to pick around the mushrooms because I’m making this!
Or you could not be a dick and just add mushrooms to your own
Wow…. Grow up.
jane – why is there always someone like you who feels the need to same something nasty and snarky? Take you rude comments to a site that welcomes sickos like you!
i agree..make with the mushrooms