Balsamic Baked Chicken Breasts

Serves 4
Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 teaspoons basil olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Balsamic Glaze
• 1 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Drizzle a pan or skillet with oil and cook chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side over medium-high heat, just to brown the very outside of the chicken.
3. Transfer chicken to a greased baking sheet or large casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 15minutes.
4. While chicken is cooking, make the balsamic glaze. In a small-medium sauce pan whisk together balsamic vinegar, sugar, honey, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and allow to simmer while chicken is cooking. The liquid should reduce by half after 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Uncover chicken and brush some of the balsamic glaze on top of the chicken. Return to oven (uncovered) and bake another 5-10 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through. Drizzle remaining balsamic glaze over chicken and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary if desired.