Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, and melty cheese. With juicy chicken breasts and fresh cherry tomatoes, it’s a well-balanced dish sure to please the whole family.
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) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the 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 breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Step 5: 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 it.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 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 the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic sauce for 30 minutes before searing.
- Substitute fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for dried basil and oregano to add a fresh twist.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy texture.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the cherry tomatoes for more vegetables.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese from becoming rubbery.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts so they cook evenly. If using frozen, allow them to fully thaw in the refrigerator before starting the recipe.
What can I serve with this balsamic baked chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture, seared to golden perfection, baked with cherry tomatoes, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Garnished with fresh herbs, it’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for any night of the week.
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 Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until fully combined, creating a tangy and aromatic sauce.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken for added freshness and color.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven 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 generously over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve the chicken warm, paired nicely with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
- Searing chicken first helps to lock in moisture and adds extra flavor; don’t skip this step.
- You can add more herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, healthy chicken recipes, easy chicken dinner
