Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Transform a simple weeknight dinner into something special with this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast, topped with gooey mozzarella and juicy cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Poultry
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 the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the balsamic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Assemble in the baking dish: Place the seared chicken in the prepared dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and scatter halved cherry tomatoes around it.
- Bake: Put the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Add cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each chicken breast. Return it to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
You can use chicken thighs for richer flavor. Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best taste.