Description

A quick and vibrant dinner featuring tender, succulent chicken breasts cooked with juicy grape or cherry tomatoes and a rich, tangy balsamic vinegar glaze. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, balancing bright acidity with sweet balsamic depth, resulting in a comforting yet refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (good quality)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves
Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry. Slice the tomatoes in half if using larger grape tomatoes; leave smaller cherry tomatoes whole. Mince the garlic finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside to rest.
Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to burst and release their juices, stirring gently.
Add Balsamic Vinegar: Pour the balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy, forming a luscious sauce.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestle it into the tomatoes, and spoon the balsamic sauce over the top. Let everything heat together for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken by letting it sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even cooking and juicier results.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper searing.
Simmer balsamic vinegar until slightly thickened for a naturally sweet glaze.
Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes for a more flavorful sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it tender and moist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing/Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken, chicken and tomatoes, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, gluten free, healthy chicken recipe