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
Units
Scale
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