Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh greens (like arugula or spinach), for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the balsamic sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Bake the chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over each breast. Add the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil and serve over a bed of greens (optional). Serve the balsamic chicken with the tomatoes and sauce from the pan.
Notes:
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
- For extra veggies, add some sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts to the pan before baking.
- If you like a thicker sauce, simmer the balsamic vinegar mixture on the stove for a few more minutes before adding the chicken back in.
- This dish is delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
