Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion, look no further than Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese. This dish combines juicy chicken with a tangy balsamic sauce and gooey mozzarella, creating a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. It’s an excellent option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even serving guests. You can also customize it to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

How to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Making Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is quick and straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal to serve in no time!

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)

Directions :

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect tenderness.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help create a nice golden exterior during baking.

3. Season the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This seasoning step is vital to enhancing the flavors of the chicken.

4. Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic. This sauce is what brings all the flavors together, so make sure to mix it well.

5. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 2–3 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step adds a depth of flavor to the chicken and helps lock in moisture.

6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. Next, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. These tomatoes will roast beautifully in the oven, adding flavor and color to your dish.

7. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through. This step ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.

8. Add the Mozzarella Cheese: After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle an even amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

9. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, you can garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the dish warm, and if you want, pair it with sides like rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions:

• With a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad complements the rich flavors of the chicken. Consider adding mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette.

• Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and its flavorful sauce over a bed of cooked pasta for a hearty meal. Choose a pasta like penne or spaghetti that can soak up all the delicious balsamic sauce.

• With Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to this dish. It’s great for soaking up the balsamic sauce and adds a wonderful texture to your meal.

• On Its Own: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken alone, allowing the flavors to shine through without additional sides.

How to Store Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

If you have leftovers, it’s easy to store Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese. Here’s how:

• Refrigerator: Allow the chicken to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will typically last for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help prevent freezer burn. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers:

• Reheating: To reheat in the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat at a low temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken tough.

Tips to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Brining Chicken: For extra moist chicken, consider brining your chicken breasts in saltwater for 1-2 hours before cooking. This simple step can elevate the juiciness of the meat.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and quality balsamic vinegar. Fresh ingredients genuinely enhance the flavor of the dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Remove it from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness.

• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the baking dish, like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to make this a well-rounded meal.

• Cheese Options: While mozzarella is classic, you can also try other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even feta for a different flavor profile.

Variation

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a versatile recipe that allows for various variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, bell peppers, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.

• Spicy Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the balsamic sauce for a mildly spicy kick, or add some sliced jalapeños to the tomatoes.

• Herb Variations: Instead of basil and oregano, try using fresh thyme or rosemary for a completely different flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free: Ensure that the ingredients, particularly the honey or maple syrup, are gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

1. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts; just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly. The skin will add extra flavor but may need a bit longer to crisp up.

2. Can I substitute other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Make sure to adjust cooking times to achieve the correct internal temperature.

3. What should I serve as a side dish?
Many sides pair well with this dish. Consider roasted vegetables, a starch like rice or quinoa, or a simple green salad to balance out the flavors.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and balsamic sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine and bake as directed.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using portobello mushrooms in place of chicken. The balsamic sauce will complement the rich flavor of the mushrooms beautifully.

With this guide, you’re all set to create a scrumptious dish of Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese. Enjoy every bite of this satisfying meal!

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Print Recipe

A delicious and simple dish featuring juicy chicken, tangy balsamic sauce, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, pour the balsamic mixture over each piece, and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, 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).
9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For extra moist chicken, consider brining the chicken breasts in saltwater for 1-2 hours before cooking. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken, mozzarella cheese, easy dinner, weeknight meals, Italian recipe