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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella

Balsamic chicken breast with mozzarella baked until juicy, with a caramelized balsamic glaze and melted fresh cheese. Caprese-style topping of cherry tomatoes and basil finishes the bake with a glossy, tangy finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
marinating 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

chicken breasts
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Use evenly thick breasts for consistent cooking.
seasonings
  • 0.25 tsp Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste Season to taste; keep total seasoning light and even.
balsamic marinade and glaze
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
topping
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced Slice for even melting.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • 1 Balsamic glaze for drizzling Use for finishing drizzle after baking.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Marinate the chicken
  1. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until combined. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then add to the marinade and turn to coat.
  2. Marinate the chicken for 20 minutes. Reserve some marinade for drizzling or basting later.
Sear and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the oven with the remaining marinade. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
  3. Remove from the oven and top each breast with mozzarella slices and halved cherry tomatoes. Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and starting to spot-golden.
Finish and serve
  1. Drizzle with balsamic glaze while the chicken is hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves so they look bright and just-set.

Notes

Pro tip: Use an oven-safe skillet and keep the chicken in one dish to maximize the glaze around the edges. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat gently at 350°F until warmed through. Freezing isn’t recommended for the best mozzarella texture. For a lower-honey option, replace honey with an equal amount of sugar-free honey or omit slightly and add a touch more balsamic vinegar for tartness.