1 ½lbsboneless skinless chicken breasts - each should be the same size
1Tbspolive oil
1tspsalt
½tspground black pepper
For The Sauce
½cupbalsamic vinegar
3Tbspmaple syrup - or honey
2Tbspolive oil
2TbspDijon mustard
3garlic cloves - minced
½tspItalian seasoning
½tspsalt
¼tspground black pepper
Chicken Toppings
1cupcherry tomatoes - sliced in half
8ozmozzarella balls - or bocconcini cheese (about 1½ cups)
3Tbspchopped fresh basil - or 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Season the chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp ground black pepper.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: ½ cup balsamic vinegar, 3 Tbsp maple syrup, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp dijon mustard, 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper.
Heat an oven safe skillet over medium high heat. Once it's hot, add 1 Tbsp of olive oil then sear the chicken on each side for 1 min, or until you start to see a crust that's crispy golden brown. Remove chicken and add it to a plate.
Pour in the balsamic sauce mixture to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, and scrape up anything stuck to the bottom using a silicone spatula.
Remove the pan from the heat and arrange the chicken in a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle the 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella balls and 3 Tbsp fresh chopped basil over top of the chicken.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 18-20 mins, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally when poked with a meat thermometer. Let rest the chicken rest for 5 mins before slicing, which will allow internal juices to circulate. Serve immediately.