Looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to prepare? This Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes recipe brings juicy chicken breasts together with sweet, tangy tomatoes in a delightful balsamic sauce that’s both comforting and fresh. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in no time, offering a colorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that anyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Combination: The balsamic glaze perfectly balances the savory chicken with tangy, sweet tomatoes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal.
- Versatile Dish: Works well with a variety of sides and easily customized to your tastes.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pan skillet cooking means less mess and more time to relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish shine on your plate.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, skinless chicken for juicy, tender meat.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they soften to create a luscious sauce.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds that signature tangy sweetness that ties the dish together.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the meal with a rich aromatic base.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and brings out the bright flavors.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of herbal freshness and vibrant color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat if you love a little spice.
Variations for Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
Feel free to experiment and personalize your Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes dish. It’s incredibly easy to adapt based on what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings.
- Cherry Tomato Substitutes: Use grape tomatoes or diced roma tomatoes if you prefer.
- Herb Mix: Swap basil for fresh thyme, oregano, or parsley for a different herbal twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with thick slices of grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for more color and nutrients.
- Spice Level: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Pat them dry to ensure a nice sear when cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes. Cook them down until they start to blister and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Balsamic Vinegar
Pour balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and stir to combine, letting it simmer and thicken slightly to create a rich sauce.
Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan
Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the balsamic tomato sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with the sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish just before serving to add a burst of color and herbal aroma.
Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Helps the chicken cook evenly without drying out.
- Don’t Skip Searing: A good sear locks in juices and adds beautiful color to the chicken.
- Simmer Gently: Let the balsamic vinegar reduce slowly to avoid a sour taste and develop sweetness.
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The juicier and sweeter, the better the sauce will taste.
- Rest Before Serving: Give the chicken a couple of minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
Garnishes
Top your dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh pop of green and mild flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a nice savory touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, tender quinoa, or even a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of pasta or polenta, letting the flavorful tomato sauce soak into the base. For an elegant touch, drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the finished plate just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to maintain texture and freshness. Store in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the chicken juicy and the tomatoes vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to stay even juicier, plus they bring a slightly richer flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free balsamic vinegar and check any additional seasonings.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simply let the balsamic vinegar simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back in, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken quickly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
You can, but fresh basil delivers the best flavor and vibrant color. If using dried, add it early in the cooking process to allow it to rehydrate and release aroma.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It reheats well and tastes great the next day, making it perfect for preparing in advance to save time during busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly cozy and refreshing about Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes—a dish that feels homemade yet special without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or company, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings delicious simplicity to your table. So grab those fresh ingredients and dive in; your next favorite dinner is waiting!
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Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, easy, and flavorful Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes recipe featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich balsamic glaze with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy and versatile dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs well with various sides, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Veggies
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Pat them dry to ensure a nice sear when cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes. Cook them down until they start to blister and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Pour balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and stir to combine, letting it simmer and thicken slightly to create a rich sauce.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the balsamic tomato sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with the sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish just before serving to add a burst of color and herbal aroma.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Don’t skip searing the chicken to lock in juices and get a nice color.
- Simmer the balsamic vinegar gently to avoid sourness and enhance sweetness.
- Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and sauce consistency.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for optimal juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg