1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are thick, slice them horizontally or pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures quicker and more even cooking. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

2. 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. 3. Deglaze the Pan: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the hot skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.

4. 4. Simmer the Sauce: Add the honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.

5. 5. Thicken the Glaze: Continue to simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to a syrupy consistency and coats the back of a spoon. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.

6. 6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat it thoroughly in the balsamic glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated.

7. 7. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from heat, transfer the chicken to serving plates, and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil before serving.