Ingredients
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive oil)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 Tbsp. avocado oil or another high-heat oil
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, toss the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly golden brown.
- Add the balsamic sauce mixture to the pan, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs.
- For a vegetarian option, use eggplant or zucchini and add chickpeas for extra texture.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based mozzarella and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If reheating on the stove, add a little extra balsamic vinegar and olive oil to keep the chicken moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg