Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Balsamic Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (1 cup whole, 1/2 cup halved)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
- 4 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture separately for finishing the dish later.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season both sides of the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil, then place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Add 1 cup whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with the chicken. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes to cook the chicken through and allow flavors to blend.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the mozzarella is melted.
- Prepare Tomato Garnish: While the chicken finishes baking, slice the remaining 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes in half for garnish.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, top with the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil chiffonade, and drizzle with the reserved 2 tablespoons of balsamic sauce for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
- The balsamic sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar to taste.
- Fresh mozzarella slices should be about 1/4 inch thick to melt nicely over the chicken without overpowering it.
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt