Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Dice the fresh tomatoes and mince the garlic cloves to ensure smooth and quick cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to lock in juices and flavor.
- Make the Tomato Balsamic Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to break down. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken into a tangy glaze.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the balsamic tomato mixture. Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, soaking up all the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and add fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and brightness. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches for a perfect golden crust.
- Reduce balsamic vinegar slowly to achieve the best glaze consistency.
- Use ripe, in-season fresh tomatoes for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat to retain its juices before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Tomato Balsamic Chicken, quick dinner, balsamic glaze, healthy chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal