Dinner

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Name: Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 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)

ByMarina Montclair March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

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Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tangy balsamic glaze pairs beautifully with melted mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes, creating a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

The dish shows several pieces of grilled chicken breast arranged side by side in a white oval bowl on a bed of green beans. Each piece of chicken has three thick, white lines of creamy sauce on top, alternating with three dark brown drizzled lines of balsamic glaze or similar sauce. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the chicken, adding a pop of color. The chicken is cooked with a golden brown color and slight black grill marks. The green beans underneath are fresh and bright, providing a strong green base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

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

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, taking care not to overcook the chicken or melt the cheese excessively.