Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful Italian-inspired dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked to perfection. Cherry tomatoes add a fresh, vibrant touch, making this dish perfect for a comforting yet healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step seals in juices and adds flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken to roast alongside it.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature close to 165°F.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves for added color and aroma. Serve the dish warm, pairing it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
- For a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic mixture.
- If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, sun-dried tomatoes make a great alternative.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
- 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 chicken dinner, balsamic vinegar chicken, healthy chicken recipes
