Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes is one of those rare dishes that manages to be both incredibly easy and impressively flavorful, with juicy chicken, sweet-tangy tomatoes, and a glossy balsamic glaze that brings everything together. This is a skillet meal that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. With a rainbow of fresh ingredients and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this meal comes together, and how much everyone will rave about it. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes lies in its simple, approachable ingredients—each one brings something special to the party, from the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes to the rich tang of balsamic vinegar. Gather these essentials and you’ll have a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish on the table in no time.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and plenty of juicy flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken get a beautiful golden sear.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a deep, mellow garlic flavor without any fuss.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Brings an aromatic, herby note that complements both chicken and tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and vibrant color are the heart of this dish; halve them for maximum juiciness.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a sharp, fragrant punch to the sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient that creates a luscious, tangy glaze.
- Honey: Balances the acidity of the balsamic and adds a lovely sheen to the sauce.
- Fresh basil: Chopped basil offers freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkling Parmesan at the end gives a salty, savory boost.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps the seasonings stick and ensures the chicken sears beautifully. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; a generous coating is what gives Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes its mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your chicken breasts. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point! Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping those tasty juices in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds—enough to release its aroma but not so long that it burns. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently until they begin to soften and release their juices. This step builds the base for that irresistible balsamic glaze.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor! Let the mixture bubble for a minute or two, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the tomatoes beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the tomatoes and glaze over the top, then simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and glossy with the balsamic glaze. Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil and, if you like, a shower of Parmesan cheese. Your Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes
Garnishes
Finish your Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for brightness and a handful of Parmesan cheese for salty, savory richness. If you want to elevate the presentation, add a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish loves a good companion! Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or al dente pasta to soak up all that glossy balsamic glaze. For something lighter, pair it with quinoa or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a chic dinner party, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter, spooning the tomatoes and glaze over the top for a restaurant-worthy look. You can also serve individual portions in shallow bowls alongside roasted veggies or toss everything with pasta for a hearty, colorful meal. However you plate it, Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes for up to two months. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together but add fresh basil and Parmesan only after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring the sauce in between. Top with fresh basil and cheese just before serving for that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes. They stay extra juicy and soak up the balsamic glaze beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your balsamic vinegar and Parmesan to ensure they’re gluten-free if you’re sensitive.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Definitely! Maple syrup works just as well as honey to balance the acidity of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness. It will give the sauce a slightly different flavor, but it’s equally delicious.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
No worries! You can use grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma or plum tomatoes. The key is to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and color. If using larger tomatoes, just cut them into bite-sized chunks.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the Parmesan cheese, or use your favorite dairy-free alternative for a similar salty finish. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free, so you can enjoy Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes without any worries.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and impressive, Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes absolutely fits the bill. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet-tart tomatoes, and that glossy balsamic glaze is pure magic. Give this recipe a try—you may just discover your new go-to meal!
Print
Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes recipe offers a delicious and healthy main course featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful balsamic glaze with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and honey, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This creates a delicious, tangy-sweet sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the tomatoes and balsamic glaze over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken warms through and absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped basil and shredded Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving to add aroma and richness.
Notes
- Serve this dish with rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the balsamic glaze.
- For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh green salad.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with tomatoes and sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
