Description
Juicy chicken breasts infused with tangy balsamic vinegar and melted mozzarella, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the balsamic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side.
- Assemble in the baking dish: Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish, drizzle the balsamic sauce over it, and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Add the mozzarella cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella over each breast, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken, mozzarella cheese, quick dinner, family recipe