Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared and baked in a tangy balsamic glaze, then topped with melty mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to make the balsamic sauce.
4. Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Place the seared chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, then return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for a different flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
• This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken moist, cover it while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken breasts can be used, but they will require a longer baking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check the internal temperature for doneness.

Is there a dairy-free cheese alternative for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if desired.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 340 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy Italian-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting yet healthy meal, it’s a balanced dish with a savory-sweet glaze that enhances the tender chicken, finished with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Balsamic Sauce

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Other

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish using some olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
3. Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts for added freshness and flavor.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
7. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each chicken breast, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve the chicken warm, pairing it with your favorite sides such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for variety.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Sun-dried tomatoes can be used instead of cherry tomatoes in a pinch for a different texture and flavor intensity.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or an assortment of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy dinner recipes, balsamic vinegar chicken