Need a tasty meal fast? Try this quick and easy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe, ready to dazzle your dinner table in 30 minutes!
This is one of those meals that everyone in your family will love because the flavors are both familiar and comforting. Who doesn’t love a good chicken, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar combo, right?
You can serve this balsamic chicken with cherry tomatoes along with a simple green salad for a super-quick and insanely satisfying meal. Plus, the leftovers are great for chopping up and tossing with pasta, or for making into a salad or wrap.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Tomato Basil Chicken
- Its tangy and sweet flavor combination, paired with tender chicken, satisfies a wide range of taste preferences.
- Balsamic chicken with tomatoes is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The dish pairs beautifully with various side dishes, from rice to greens.
Recipe Ingredients
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, these tomatoes add a sweet and slightly tart taste.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide a sweet, aromatic, and slightly peppery flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Garnish Options: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or mozzarella for a creamy touch, drizzle high-quality olive oil for richness, or add fresh herbs like parsley or extra basil for freshness. Toasted pine nuts or arugula can also provide a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
- Chicken Alternatives: Switch from chicken breasts to chicken thighs. Thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful alternative due to their higher fat content. You can also use skinless turkey breasts to provide a similar lean protein base, with a slightly richer flavor.
How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken
Step #1: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small pot and place over medium-high heat. Reduce until the vinegar reaches the consistency of syrup.
Step #2: Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts in half parallel to the cutting board to make four thin pieces of chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step #3: Heat the oil in a cast iron or other skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let brown, undisturbed, for 1 minute. Turn the breasts, turn the heat to low, cover the pan, and let cook for 10 minutes. After ten minutes, remove the chicken to a plate next to the stove.
Step #4: Turn the heat back up to high and let the liquid in the chicken pan reduce until you can drag a spoon through and leave a trail. Turn the heat back down to medium and add the onions. Let the onions cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds. Add the halved tomatoes to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
Step #5: Arrange the chicken pieces on a serving platter. Top with the tomato and onion mixture. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top and garnish with fresh basil.
Expert Tips
- Enhance the Sauce: After adding the tomatoes, pour in a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add depth to the sauce.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the tomato mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Proper Reduction Technique: Ensure the balsamic vinegar is reduced slowly over low heat to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste in the syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
To add a spicy kick to the dish, incorporate red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers into the recipe. Add them when you sauté the onions and garlic to infuse the oil. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Yes, you can make this dish creamy by stirring in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt into the tomato and onion mixture just before serving. Blend well to ensure a smooth, rich texture.
Storage Info
Store this Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. Although freezing is possible, it’s best to enjoy it fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor.
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and tomatoes in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave on medium power for a few minutes. If using a microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
More Delicious Recipes That You’ll Love
Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes - halved
- 2 cloves garlic - peeled and minced
- 1 medium onion - chopped
- 4 large leaves basil - sliced
Instructions
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small pot and place over medium-high heat. Reduce until the vinegar reaches the consistency of syrup.
- Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts in half parallel to the cutting board to make four thin pieces of chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a cast iron or other skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let brown, undisturbed, for 1 minute. Turn the breasts, turn the heat to low, cover the pan, and let cook for 10 minutes. After ten minutes, remove the chicken to a plate next to the stove.
- Turn the heat back up to high and let the liquid in the chicken pan reduce until you can drag a spoon through and leave a trail. Turn the heat back down to medium and add the onions. Let the onions cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds. Add the halved tomatoes to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on a serving platter. Top with the tomato and onion mixture. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top and garnish with fresh basil.
NOTES
Nutrition
Loved how simple the ingredients were yet the dish tasted gourmet.
Do you have the nutritional breakdown (macros) for this recipe? Thanks!