Name: Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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)

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Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The tangy balsamic glaze pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and melted mozzarella, creating a comforting meal that feels special.

This image shows several pieces of grilled chicken breast arranged closely on a white dish. Each piece has a golden-brown color with clear grill marks and is topped with two sauces—one creamy white and the other dark brown, glossy, and slightly thick. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the chicken for color contrast. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic to make the balsamic sauce.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 5: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Step 7: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before searing.
Swap mozzarella for goat cheese or feta for a different cheese profile.
Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the baking dish for extra veggies.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in place of dried for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the cheese from becoming tough.

How to Serve

Two cooked chicken breasts are placed side by side in a white rectangular baking dish. They are covered with a creamy, golden-brown sauce that has some darker brown grill marks or caramelized spots on top. Small bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. The sauce appears thick and slightly bubbling around the edges of the chicken, with some juices pooling at the bottom of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a light gray fringed cloth placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes, but increase the baking time to 30–35 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese topping and bake just before serving.