Description
This Easy Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a juicy and flavorful one-pan meal, featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, topped with a tangy balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elegant family meals, this recipe combines simplicity with delicious taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Make Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined to create a tangy, aromatic sauce.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through but not yet fully done.
- Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return the dish 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).
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce if you like a spicy kick.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be used instead of cherry tomatoes in a pinch.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
