1-First Steps: Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F and spraying an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray. This prepares your dish for baking and prevents sticking. Next, dice your tomatoes and gather all ingredients to streamline the process.

2-First Steps: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step infuses flavor into the chicken right from the start.

3-Cooking the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook them in the skillet for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This sears the outside, locking in moisture and taste.

4-Cooking the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from heat. In a bowl, mix 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Layer half of this mixture in the baking dish, add the chicken, then top with the rest.

5-Baking and Finishing Touches: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and tomatoes soften. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil.