Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Tender chicken breasts topped with gooey melted mozzarella in a rich and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season each chicken breast on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to create the balsamic sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Remove the dish temporarily from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each breast, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For juicy chicken, consider brining before cooking. Searing adds depth of flavor. Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute juices.