Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tender chicken is coated in a tangy balsamic glaze, topped with melty mozzarella, and baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes for added freshness.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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 your 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: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to create the balsamic sauce.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Step 6: Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Step 7: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.
Step 8: 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 9: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor in the balsamic sauce.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste and texture.
Add a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish for extra moisture and a flavorful sauce.
Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Bone-in breasts typically take longer to cook—about 30 to 35 minutes—to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute with red wine vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of sugar or honey to mimic the sweetness and acidity of balsamic.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 114 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining tender, juicy chicken seared to perfection and baked with a flavorful balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. The herbs and garlic add depth, while the balsamic and honey balance sweetness and tang for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Additional Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and aid in even cooking.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry then season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
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, forming a tangy and slightly sweet glaze.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown to lock in juices and add flavor.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken to roast alongside and add sweetness.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through and the tomatoes have softened.
Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the chicken with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

Using honey or maple syrup adds sweetness that balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar well.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Feel free to swap mozzarella with another melting cheese like provolone or fontina if desired.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic sauce for 30 minutes prior to searing, if time allows.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

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