Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared, baked in a tangy balsamic sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to make the balsamic sauce.
4. Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around it.
6. Step 6: Bake 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 evenly over each chicken breast, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sun-dried tomatoes work well in place of cherry tomatoes if you’re in a pinch.
• This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but be aware that cooking time will need to be increased to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is it okay to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The balsamic sauce and herbs still deliver plenty of flavor.

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 139 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful Italian-inspired baked chicken breast recipe featuring a tangy balsamic glaze, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 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 and Garnish

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: 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 the flavor.
3. Make Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined.
4. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
5. Assemble for Baking: Place the seared chicken breasts into the greased baking dish. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the dish.
6. Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
7. Add Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for varied flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Sun-dried tomatoes can be used instead of fresh cherry tomatoes in a pinch.
• This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

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