Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is juicy, flavorful, and topped with melty cheese and tangy balsamic glaze. A simple yet elegant one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights or family meals!
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
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the balsamic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, basil, oregano, and minced garlic.
Sear chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Assemble in baking dish: Place chicken in prepared dish. Pour balsamic mixture over chicken. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is almost cooked through.
Add cheese: Remove dish from oven, sprinkle mozzarella over each breast. Return to oven and bake for 5–10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked to 165°F.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Sun-dried tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes in a pinch.
Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg