Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The tangy balsamic sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken and melted mozzarella, creating a delicious Italian-inspired meal everyone will love.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 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.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
- Step 8: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes when fresh ones are unavailable.
- Pair this dish with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty and the chicken moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I skip searing the chicken before baking?
Searing the chicken adds a golden crust and helps lock in juices, making the chicken more flavorful and moist. While you can skip it, searing is recommended for best results.
What can I serve with this balsamic baked chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.
PrintBalsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dinner recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and baked with a tangy balsamic vinegar sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic herbs. Finished with melted mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes, this dish is packed with flavor and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
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
Additional Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help the chicken cook evenly.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined. This sauce will add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds great color and texture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around them for freshness and burst of flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature close to 160°F (71°C).
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, sun-dried tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, Italian dinner, easy chicken recipe, chicken with balsamic sauce, healthy chicken recipe
