Name: Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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)

Introduction

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are glazed with a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce, baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, and topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

The dish features several pieces of grilled chicken breast placed on a bed of green beans inside a white bowl. Each chicken piece is marked with dark brown grill lines, and between the grill lines are thick, glossy white strips of melted cheese or sauce. The chicken has a golden-brown seared texture with some black pepper visible on the surface. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over the chicken for garnish. The green beans underneath are bright green and slightly glossy, contrasting with the warm tones of the chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to create the sauce.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked.

Step 5: Place the seared chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around it.

Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is almost cooked through.

Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm, ideally over pasta, rice, or with toasted bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips & Variations

Don’t skip searing the chicken first; it adds a delicious golden crust and extra flavor.

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce.

Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina if you prefer a different cheese.

If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, sun-dried tomatoes work well as an alternative.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a little broth to maintain juiciness.

Dinner

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe