Balsamic 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
Scale
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
