Let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a family feast on the table in no time:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Place chicken in the skillet, searing each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Reduce heat to medium and stir in balsamic vinegar, honey, and dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the balsamic glaze over the top. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are blistered.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Cooking alongside my grandmother taught me the importance of visual cues—look for the chicken to be golden and the glaze to coat the back of a spoon.