Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes

Picture this: succulent, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then drizzled with a rich and tangy balsamic glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and savory. Add a burst of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a few simple seasonings, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that feels gourmet but is so easy to whip up. Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes is a dish that will have you asking, “Why don’t I make this more often?” It’s light yet flavorful, comforting yet fresh, and it’s just perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

You know those meals that you can make on a whim but feel like they were crafted in a five-star restaurant? This is one of those. The balsamic vinegar adds an elegant touch, while the tomatoes burst with freshness, making this a dinner that’s packed with flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes

Here’s why this recipe will become a new favorite in your meal rotation:

Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner. No fuss, just a whole lot of flavor.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make this meal sing. It’s made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and a few pantry staples, which means you probably already have everything you need.

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of balsamic vinegar and fresh tomatoes is a match made in heaven. The tomatoes release their juices as they cook, creating a saucy base that the chicken soaks up.

Healthy and Satisfying: Lean chicken breasts are the perfect protein base, and the balsamic vinegar is packed with antioxidants. Plus, you can serve it with a side of veggies or over rice or pasta to round it out into a complete meal.

Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and the amount of balsamic glaze to your liking. Want a little more tang? Add extra vinegar. Prefer a sweeter finish? A drizzle of honey can do the trick!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes

This dish may be simple, but the flavor is anything but. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They cook up tender and juicy, soaking up all that balsamic goodness.

Fresh Tomatoes

The fresher, the better. You can use Roma, cherry, or any variety you love. When they cook down, they create a beautiful, flavorful sauce for the chicken.

Balsamic Vinegar

The key to the sauce! Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the dish, making it feel like something special with minimal effort.

Olive Oil

To sear the chicken and start building those savory flavors.

Garlic

A couple of cloves of garlic add a delicious punch that pairs perfectly with the balsamic vinegar and tomatoes.

Fresh Basil

Add a handful of fresh basil at the end to bring a burst of freshness. It balances the rich flavors beautifully.

Salt and Pepper

To season and bring everything together.

(Note: measurements for these ingredients are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this flavorful dish in no time:

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Add the Tomatoes

Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them into the garlic. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Make the Balsamic Sauce

Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and reduce slightly.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and tomatoes over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up some of the balsamic glaze.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh basil over the dish. Serve hot, and enjoy the explosion of flavor in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings (approx.)
Calories per serving: 275 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 36g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes

Looking for the perfect side to complement this meal? Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a perfect side. The slight char and caramelization pair beautifully with the balsamic glaze.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the chicken and tomatoes over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious balsamic sauce. A light pasta like angel hair works wonderfully.
• With a Green Salad: Pair with a crisp, refreshing salad—something with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, dressed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
• With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread on the side to mop up any of that glorious sauce.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Tomatoes: Feel free to use different types of tomatoes based on what you have available. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while Roma tomatoes offer a firmer texture.
• Add a Little Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, drizzle a bit of honey into the balsamic sauce to balance out the tanginess.
• Make It a Meal Prep: This recipe stores really well, so make extra and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the skillet for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
• Serve with Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top adds a nice salty, umami finish to the dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Boneless chicken thighs will work wonderfully here, and they’ll add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This dish actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar?
A3: Balsamic glaze is a bit thicker and sweeter than balsamic vinegar, but you can absolutely use it. Just reduce the amount of added sugar or honey to avoid it being too sweet.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A5: Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach. Just toss them in with the tomatoes and garlic to cook along with the chicken.

Q6: What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use?
A6: A good quality balsamic vinegar will elevate the dish. You don’t need to splurge on aged balsamic, but look for one that’s rich and not too thin or watery.

Q7: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A7: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicy?
A8: Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat. It’s a simple way to add an extra layer of flavor.

Q9: What should I serve with this dish?
A9: This dish is great with sides like roasted potatoes, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad. You can even serve it with some crusty bread to mop up the balsamic sauce.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure your skillet is large enough to hold the chicken, or you can cook the chicken in batches. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

This Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes recipe is a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors, making it an instant winner for any weeknight dinner. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with so much flavor that everyone will be asking for seconds. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or a simple side salad, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!

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