Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make balsamic baked chicken breast recipe topped with melted mozzarella cheese and bursting cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick yet elegant Italian-inspired dinner that balances tangy, savory, and creamy flavors in one dish.
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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the 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, herby sauce.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the breasts for added sweetness and juiciness.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temperature about 160°F), allowing the sauce to reduce and infuse the chicken.
- Add Cheese: 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 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is safe to eat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the chicken warm alongside your favorite sides such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic sauce if you like a spicy kick.
- If fresh cherry tomatoes are unavailable, sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a flavorful alternative.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies to round out your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella cheese chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with tomatoes, healthy chicken recipe
