Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes
In short: Pan-seared chicken breasts with cherry tomatoes that burst in the pan, finished with balsamic vinegar, garlic and basil. Light and ready in 30 minutes. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Cherry tomatoes blister and collapse in a hot skillet into a sweet, jammy sauce, and a splash of balsamic vinegar gives it a dark, sharp edge. The chicken is seared first and rested while the sauce comes together, then sliced and spooned over with fresh basil. It is a light dinner that pairs well with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes or just a crusty loaf and a green salad.
Instructions
- Season the halved chicken breasts with half the salt and the pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and 74°C (165°F) inside. Move it to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Add the remaining oil, the tomatoes and the remaining salt to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan, until the skins split and blister.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Press a few tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
- Pour in the vinegar, stock and honey. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Return the chicken and its juices to the pan and spoon the sauce over. Heat for 1 minute, then top with torn basil and serve.
Tips
- Use a decent balsamic. A thin, harsh vinegar gets sharper as it reduces, so add the honey gradually and taste as you go.
- Out of cherry tomatoes? Use 4 chopped ripe tomatoes or a 400 g (14 oz) can of whole tomatoes, drained, and simmer a little longer.
Questions and answers
Can I make balsamic chicken with thighs?
Yes. Use boneless thighs and cook them 5 to 6 minutes per side. They stay juicy even when the sauce simmers a little longer.
What should I serve with balsamic chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, couscous or crusty bread all work. A bitter leaf salad balances the sweet sauce.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is best because it goes in at the end. If you only have dried, stir 1/2 teaspoon into the sauce while it simmers.
How long does it take to make Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes?
About 30 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 39 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
