Description
Juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts topped with melty mozzarella and finished with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze. This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is an easy weeknight dinner that feels elegant but comes together fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), basil, oregano, and garlic.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden (do not cook through).
- Transfer chicken to the baking dish. Pour balsamic mixture over the top and add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until nearly cooked through.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over each piece and return to oven for 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
- Double the balsamic sauce if you prefer extra for drizzling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg