Dinner

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

ByHugo Harnd February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

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.

A white dish holds four grilled chicken breasts cut into slices, each topped with a smooth, creamy white sauce on top and drizzled with a dark, shiny glaze creating a striped pattern. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered between the chicken pieces, adding a touch of color. The chicken is slightly charred with visible grill marks, and the sauce contrasts with the golden brown meat. The dish 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) 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

The image shows four grilled chicken breasts arranged in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Each chicken breast has a golden-brown, slightly charred exterior with visible grill marks. On top of each breast, there are thick white melted cheese slices, evenly placed in three sections per piece. Dark brown balsamic glaze is drizzled in stripes over the cheese and chicken, adding shine and contrast. Small green parsley leaves are scattered lightly on the chicken and around the bowl, adding a fresh touch. The overall look is warm and appetizing with a mix of creamy, glazed, and grilled textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.