Print

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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