Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1 ½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper on both sides for balanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in ¼ cup balsamic vinegar and ½ cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits for flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Return Chicken: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, then return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, spoon additional balsamic sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron for searing and baking in the same pan.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you may pound them if needed.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it a few minutes longer before adding tomatoes.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried but adjust quantity accordingly.
- Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal