Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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).
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/balsamic-baked-chicken-breast-with-mozzarella-cheese-recipe/