Description
An easy and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with balsamic vinegar and creamy mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to the greased baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over it.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F (71°C).
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 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