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Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish Recipe

Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish Recipe

4.8 from 22 reviews

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then baked with a flavorful balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. This dish combines tangy, sweet, and savory elements for a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  3. Prepare the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices for tender meat.
  5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts to roast alongside.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the tomatoes start to soften.
  7. Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy the balance of savory chicken with sweet, tangy balsamic glaze and creamy mozzarella.

Notes

  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
  • For added spice, sprinkle chili flakes in the balsamic sauce.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella cheese chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, balsamic glaze chicken