Prepare to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience with this mouthwatering Basil Balsamic Chicken Breasts recipe! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts drizzled with a rich, tangy balsamic reduction and sprinkled with fresh, aromatic basil - a dish so delicious, it'll have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this Italian-inspired recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- In the same skillet, pour balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce balsamic vinegar for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, creating a quick pan sauce.
- Drizzle reduced balsamic sauce over rested chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the chicken just before serving.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let chicken reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Dry Means Crispy: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents that coveted golden-brown sear.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The secret to perfectly cooked chicken is hitting 165°F (74°C) - no guesswork, no dry chicken!
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
- Fresh Basil Matters: Use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant, aromatic finish. Dried herbs just can't compare!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
