Description
Balsamic Chicken features juicy chicken cutlets marinated in a tangy balsamic glaze and topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. It’s an easy homemade meal that will wow your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken cutlets, pounded to an even thickness (approximately 1 ½ pounds total, each piece approximately ½ inch thick)
- ⅓ cup balsamic glaze
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (2 tablespoons to cook the chicken and 1 tablespoon to mix with the tomatoes and cheese)
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes (approximately 18-20 tomatoes)
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls (approximately half of an 8-ounce package)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus additional for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken cutlets in a large zip-top bag or lidded shallow dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and seal the bag tightly, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Press out any excess air.
- Marinate the chicken at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour; refrigerate if marinating longer than 30 minutes, removing it 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the chicken in the skillet while it preheats.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip back, and place in the skillet without overcrowding.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. If necessary, work in batches and set browned chicken aside on a clean plate.
- While the chicken sears, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, chopped basil, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.
- Once chicken is browned, reduce heat to low and return chicken to the skillet if needed. Pour the reserved marinade around (not on top of) the chicken, simmering for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, top chicken with the tomato and cheese mixture, then transfer skillet to oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Carefully remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil.
Notes
Marinating the chicken for longer improves flavor depth.
Ensure the skillet is adequately preheated to achieve a good sear on the chicken.
Use cherry tomatoes for better sweetness and juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg