Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese – Easy, Flavor-Packed, and Family-Approved
Molly
This balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese is a weeknight dinner favorite that’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Juicy chicken is baked to perfection, topped with gooey mozzarella, and finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It’s kid-approved, low-carb, and perfect for meal prep or romantic dinners in.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 360 kcal
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh basil or parsley optional
Step 1: Preheat and PrepPreheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Step 2: Season the ChickenPlace chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Step 3: Make the Balsamic GlazeIn a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half and thickened (about 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Step 4: BakePour half the glaze over the chicken and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then top each breast with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Step 5: Finish and ServeReturn to the oven for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Drizzle with remaining glaze and garnish with basil.
Secret Tips for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
1. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes: To lock in bold flavor, let your chicken breast soak up that balsamic marinade for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight. This step infuses every bite with tangy, savory goodness and helps keep your baked chicken breast tender and juicy.
2. Use fresh mozzarella for maximum melt: Skip the pre-shredded stuff and go with fresh mozzarella slices. They melt creamier and stretch beautifully over the top of your baked balsamic chicken, making it extra cheesy and satisfying.
3. Butterfly thick chicken breasts for even baking: If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, slice them in half horizontally. This ensures quicker cooking and helps the cheese and balsamic glaze bake evenly without drying out the meat.
4. Reduce the balsamic glaze separately: For a thicker, more concentrated glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar with a little honey or brown sugar on the stove until syrupy. Drizzle it over the cheesy baked chicken just before serving for a glossy, flavor-packed finish.
5. Broil at the end for a bubbly top: After the chicken is fully baked, pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. This step caramelizes the cheese and glaze, giving you that irresistible golden top with melty mozzarella perfection.
6. Add tomatoes and basil for caprese vibes: For a fresh twist, layer sliced cherry tomatoes on the chicken before adding cheese, then sprinkle chopped basil over the top after baking. It turns this easy baked chicken breast into a caprese-style meal the whole family will love.
7. Let it rest before slicing: Don’t cut too soon! Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after baking lets the juices redistribute, keeping your balsamic baked chicken breast moist and flavorful in every bite.Keyword balsamic baked chicken breast, cheesy baked chicken breast, chicken breast with mozzarella and balsamic glaze, easy weeknight chicken dinner, gluten free chicken dinner, healthy baked chicken breast, juicy baked chicken breast recipe, low carb balsamic chicken recipe, mozzarella balsamic chicken bake, oven baked mozzarella chicken
