Description
Sizzling Balsamic Chicken delivers a Mediterranean-inspired meal crafted with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Fragrant herbs and tangy balsamic glaze elevate this weeknight dinner so cooks can enjoy delicious results without complex preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (0.9 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 8 oz (226 g) grape tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps honey
- 2 tbsps avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- 2 tbsps oil (such as avocado or olive oil)
- 2 tbsps finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until harmoniously blended.
- Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing an ideal thermal environment for roasting.
- Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high flame. Thoroughly dry chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes, crafting a rich golden crust that locks in succulent flavors.
- Flavor Infusion: Cascade the prepared marinade into the skillet, deglazing and capturing caramelized essence. Artfully distribute cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves across the chicken, creating a vibrant and aromatic canopy.
- Roasting Finale: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, roasting uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. After removing, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in balsamic mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to enhance taste depth and tenderness.
- Choose the Right Skillet: Cast-iron provides superior heat distribution and creates perfect golden-brown sear, ensuring restaurant-quality caramelization.
- Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken and guaranteeing food safety.
- Rest and Redistribute: Letting chicken rest after cooking allows juices to settle, resulting in incredibly moist and succulent meat that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg