Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until it is almost cooked through but not fully done.
- 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).
- 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
