Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
A flavorful baked chicken breast recipe featuring a tangy balsamic vinegar glaze, garlic, and herbs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. This easy-to-make dish combines searing and baking techniques to create juicy chicken with a deliciously cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until fully combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts in the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each chicken breast. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option in the sauce.
- Make sure to sear the chicken properly to enhance flavor and keep it juicy during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a great garnish and add freshness to the dish.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, healthy chicken dinner