Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms

I don't know about anyone else, but I feel as though I have pretty much eaten my way through the past several weeks.  I haven't exercised nearly as much as I normally do, either, which becomes an issue for me in more ways than one.  As with many people, I am interested in starting the new year off in a healthy way, and this recipe is a great one for that...it is full of flavor and healthy, simple ingredients.  Hailing from the blog of one of my running buddies, I have made it several times for my family and it is always a hit.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 
• 1/2 tsp sea salt 
• 1/2 tsp pepper 
• 1 package button mushrooms washed patted dry and sliced 
• 3 tsp, minced bottled garlic 
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth 
• 1 bay leaf 
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme 
• cooking spray

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Spray non stick skillet with cooking spray and heat to medium high. Add the chicken and saute until brown on one side. 
2. Add garlic and flip over chicken breasts and add mushrooms. Continue cooking while stirring mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes then add vinegar, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. 
3. Cover and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken, set aside and keep warm. 
4. Continue simmering sauce, uncovered for about 7 minutes. Discard bay leaf and pour mixture over chicken and serve.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 25 minutes
Source: http://mariepalano.blogspot.com