1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This ensures every piece is seasoned beautifully.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. The goal here is to get a nice sear and build flavor.

3. Add Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet around the chicken. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst slightly.

4. Introduce Mozzarella: Remove the skillet from the heat. Arrange the halved or quartered fresh mozzarella balls over the chicken and tomatoes. The residual heat from the skillet will start to melt the cheese gently.

5. Melt the Cheese (Optional Broil): If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbly and lightly golden. Watch it carefully to prevent burning. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet or prefer not to broil, simply cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt from the residual heat.

6. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the chicken, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving immediately. The vibrant green of the basil adds a beautiful contrast and a burst of fresh flavor.