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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
- 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).
- 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
