Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. It combines juicy chicken breasts with the rich, tangy taste of balsamic vinegar and the creamy texture of mozzarella cheese. This recipe is not just delicious; it also offers a great way to get your protein and veggies in one meal. The balance of flavors is refreshing, and the cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that complements the dish perfectly. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

How to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

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)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important as you want the oven to be hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a baking dish and grease it with a little olive oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the dish and make cleaning up easier later.

3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—this step adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

4. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic. This mixture will serve as the marinade and flavor base for your chicken.

5. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice texture and flavor to the chicken.

6. Arrange in Baking Dish: After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the greased baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish.

7. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You will want to cook the chicken until it is almost done and reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F (71°C).

8. Add the Cheese: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken and tomatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden, and the chicken should reach a final internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

9. Garnish and Serve: Finally, if you like, you can garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color. Serve the chicken warm with your choice of sides, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

This dish is versatile and can be served in several ways to complement your meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve the baked chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious balsamic sauce.

• With Pasta: Pair the chicken with some pasta, tossed in olive oil and parmesan cheese. This adds a comforting, hearty element to your meal.

• On a Salad: For a lighter option, slice the chicken and serve it on top of a fresh green salad. Add some extra tomatoes and mozzarella for balance.

• With Bread: Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. This is a great way to enjoy every last bite of the meal.

How to Store Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Leftovers of Balsamic Baked Chicken can be stored in a few straightforward steps:

• Allow to Cool: First, let the chicken cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Use an Airtight Container: Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it whole or cut into slices, depending on how you plan to use it later.

• Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any changes in smell or texture before consuming.

• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

• Brine the Chicken: For even juicier chicken, consider brining the chicken breasts in salted water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps keep them moist during baking.

• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh basil and oregano will enhance the flavor even more. You can add them at the end of cooking for a fresh taste.

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken creates a richer flavor and a nice texture that makes the dish more appealing. Plus, it gives the chicken a beautiful brown color.

• Cooking Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a little heat or some lemon zest for brightness.

Variation

There are many ways to customize this recipe according to your palate:

• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the dish. They can be added to the baking dish along with the cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

• Use Different Cheeses: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try provolone, gouda, or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

• Different Proteins: While chicken breasts are the star of this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option. They will require a little longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the baking dish a day in advance. Just refrigerate and then bake when you’re ready.

2. What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
   If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the taste will be slightly different.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   The best way to check if chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C).

4. Can I bake this dish in a different dish?
   Yes, you can use any oven-safe baking dish such as a cast-iron skillet or a ceramic dish.

5. What sides go well with this dish?
   This chicken pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, a hearty salad, or even mashed potatoes.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese that your family and friends will love!

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

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• Author: ethanmiller
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

An easy and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with balsamic vinegar and creamy mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with olive oil.
3. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic in a bowl.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the chicken to the greased baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over it.
7. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F (71°C).
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

For juicier chicken, consider brining the chicken breasts before cooking. Serve with rice, pasta, or on a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, balsamic, mozzarella, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian cuisine