Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a juicy, flavorful, and elegant one-pan dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or family meals. It features tender chicken breasts coated with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes, finished with an optional herb garnish for a simple yet impressive Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat That Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season Like You Mean It: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Whisk That Magic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Whisk until well blended into a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce.
- Give It a Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy crust. Do not cook through at this stage.
- Assemble the Flavor Party: Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes all around the chicken breasts.
- Bake It Up: Place the dish uncovered into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through but not fully done.
- Cheese, Please: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve the chicken warm, perfect alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- If cherry tomatoes are out of season, sun-dried tomatoes make a great alternative.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- For meal prep, marinate chicken breasts in the balsamic mixture overnight to deepen the flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth to maintain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, easy dinner, Italian chicken recipe, weeknight meal, one-pan dinner
