An easy, one-pan dish

Tomato, basil and mozzarella—the ultimate trifecta.

When I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to try it, especially since it required little prep and utensils.

Ingredients

Chicken marinade

1. 1 Tbsp olive oil
2. 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
3. 3 cloves minced garlic (I used the minced garlic from a jar because it’s easier)
4. Red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning (to taste)
5. 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

The balsamic tomato pan sauce

1. 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2. 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3. 2 Tbsp melted butter
4. 1 Tbsp honey
5. 4 cloves minced garlic
6. 2 Tbsp chopped basil
7. Onion powder, dried thyme to taste
8. 1-1.5 cups shredded mozzarella (shred your own for better results)
   1. I laid slices of a fresh mozzarella ball instead of shredding it.

Directions

Marinate

The recipe said to marinate the chicken while the oven is preheating, but I chose to let the chicken marinate for two hours for a richer flavor.

1. Add all ingredients except chicken breasts into a zip-top bag.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Seal the bag and shake until the ingredients are mixed well.
4. Add chicken breasts, seal and massage the marinade until chicken is coated evenly.
5. Set aside for 1-3 hours (or while the oven is preheating).
6. Position rack in oven to the center and preheat to 425 degrees.

The balsamic tomato pan sauce

1. Either while the oven is preheating or after the chicken has marinated for as long as you would like, add all the ingredients except the mozzarella to an oven-safe baking dish (I used a glass baking dish).
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, stir to combine.
3. Move tomatoes to around the edges of the dish and place the chicken breasts in the center.

Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes or until the chicken is almost cooked through (properly cooked chicken should have an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees).
2. Add mozzarella to the chicken breasts and broil just long enough for the cheese to melt
   1. Tip: Keep a close eye on the chicken while the oven is set to broil because it can burn very easily and very quickly.
3. Top with additional chopped basil.
4. Serve as is, with bread, pasta, rice or vegetables.

Bonus: any leftovers can be put between two slices of bread for a fancier grilled cheese.