Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tangy balsamic vinegar with melted cheese and fresh tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and elegant.

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 oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: Make the balsamic sauce by whisking together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
4. Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 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 mixture over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated 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 and bake 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

• For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic sauce for 30 minutes before searing.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese twist.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to preserve the texture of the chicken and cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but you will need to increase the baking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with balsamic baked chicken?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to keep the meal balanced and flavorful.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 60 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic sauce, baked to perfection and topped with melty mozzarella cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. This dish combines the savory taste of Italian herbs with the sweetness of balsamic vinegar and honey, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that is both comforting and elegant.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 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

Toppings

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

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Make Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade.
4. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in flavors and moisture.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around it.
6. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until it is almost cooked through but not fully done.
7. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve the dish warm, enjoying the combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory balsamic sauce.

Notes

• You can substitute dried herbs for fresh basil and oregano if available, but adjust the quantity to 1 tablespoon each for fresh herbs.
• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey or maple syrup to 1 teaspoon.
• Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
• This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.

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