2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium tomatoes, sliced)
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (4 chicken breasts, 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat (2 tbsp olive oil)
Add minced garlic to the pan around the chicken and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (3 cloves garlic)
Top each chicken breast with halved cherry tomatoes, then layer mozzarella slices on top (2 cups cherry tomatoes, 8 oz fresh mozzarella)
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the chicken and tomatoes (2 tbsp balsamic vinegar)
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and cheese is melted and bubbly
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil (¼ cup fresh basil)
Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and garnish with extra basil leaves before serving
