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