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Quick Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy balsamic glazed chicken paired with roasted cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers a tangy-sweet glaze and juicy roasted tomatoes with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 300 grams), halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting tomatoes)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce until thickened and syrupy, about 8–10 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Roast the tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups (300 g) halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Spread them cut side up on a baking sheet. Roast for 15–18 minutes until they look blistered and juicy. Remove from the oven and keep warm.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat the 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken breasts. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side without moving them too much, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check for no pink.
  5. Glaze the chicken: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the pan. Spoon the glaze over the chicken repeatedly, letting it caramelize slightly, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the glaze—it should be glossy and sticky.
  6. Plate and serve: Arrange the balsamic glazed chicken on plates, spoon roasted cherry tomatoes alongside, and drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like.

Notes

If glaze thickens too much while resting, gently rewarm with a splash of water to loosen. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if needed. Pat chicken dry for best sear. Use medium-high heat for searing to get a golden crust. Roasting tomatoes separately keeps them juicy and sweet. Multitask by roasting tomatoes while preparing glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, balsamic vinegar chicken