Ingredients
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp oil (such as avocado or olive oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Tomato Mozzarella Mixture:
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
For the Chicken:
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, 2 tablespoons oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this balsamic glaze aside.
- Make the tomato mozzarella mixture: In another bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat while you prepare the chicken.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts all over with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. When the oil is shimmering and the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
- Add the balsamic glaze: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. It should begin to simmer quickly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor.
- Top with tomato mozzarella: Immediately remove the skillet from heat and evenly distribute the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the ingredients to a baking dish before baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for the best creamy texture; shredded mozzarella won’t melt the same way.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference, especially the salt and pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American