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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

This simple, elegant recipe features juicy, tender chicken with a tangy and sweet balsamic sauce, all topped with a blanket of bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese. It's a cozy, satisfying one-pan meal that tastes like something from an Italian cafe but comes together with minimal fuss. The cherry tomatoes burst and soften in the oven, creating a rustic and delicious pan sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener option)
  • 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)

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Get Ready: First things first, let's get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the chicken without everything being too crowded and give it a light coating of olive oil.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps get a really nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy here; it builds the first layer of flavor.
  3. Mix the Magic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic. This simple mixture is what makes the whole dish sing.
  4. Sear for Flavor: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook it through, just get a beautiful golden-brown crust. This is the secret to super juicy baked chicken!
  5. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish. Pour that lovely balsamic mixture right over the top, making sure to coat each piece. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish.
  6. First Bake: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The chicken should be almost cooked through, and the tomatoes will start to soften and wrinkle.
  7. Add the Cheese: Carefully pull the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. This is your moment to be cheesy! Return the dish to the oven for another 5–10 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute. If you have some fresh basil or parsley on hand, a little sprinkle on top adds a nice touch of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Notes

Do not skip searing the chicken to lock in juices and add flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking. Ensure chicken has space in the baking dish to bake rather than steam. For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the pan juices in a saucepan on the stovetop after the chicken is cooked.