Dinner

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

BySarah Summers March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Introduction

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a deliciously simple dish that combines tangy balsamic flavors with savory melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a juicy and flavorful meal with minimal prep.

The dish shows three grilled chicken breasts placed on a bed of fresh green beans inside a white bowl. Each chicken breast has three thick, white melted cheese slices layered evenly across their tops, alternating with dark brown, glossy balsamic glaze stripes. Small green herb leaves are scattered lightly over the chicken and cheese, adding a fresh touch. The chicken is golden brown and slightly charred, showing a rich, moist texture. The green beans underneath peek out around the edges, creating a colorful contrast against the white bowl and white marbled surface. 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 the 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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around it.
Step 6: Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 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

Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce for a spicy kick.
Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes if needed.
Pair this dish with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is also an option but may soften the cheese texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white oval plate with grilled chicken breasts placed side by side on a bed of green beans. There are three main layers visible on each chicken piece: the base layer is golden-brown grilled chicken with char marks, the middle layer consists of creamy white melted cheese strips, and the top layer features dark brown glossy balsamic glaze drizzled in parallel lines. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. The green beans are smooth and vibrant, lining the bottom of the plate under the chicken. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, a mixture of red wine vinegar and a touch of honey can provide a similar tangy-sweet flavor, though the taste will be slightly different.