Description
A simple and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a savory garlic balsamic tomato sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: shaved Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add vinegar and sweetener: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup), scraping the browned bits from the skillet bottom to incorporate their flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the balsamic tomato sauce over them, and simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish, and optionally top with shaved Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.
- Boneless chicken thighs may be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a pat of butter at the end of cooking the sauce.
