Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze, accompanied by oven-roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 pint cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes soften and edges begin to caramelize.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and rest on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey, stirring and simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pan, spoon glaze over the breasts, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Plate chicken with the roasted cherry tomatoes alongside and drizzle remaining glaze on top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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