Balsamic Glaze Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Tender chicken breasts are oven-baked in a tangy balsamic glaze and topped with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made with simple, wholesome ingredients — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
For the Topping:
½ cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
1 medium tomato, sliced (or 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved)
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional:
1 tsp honey (for a sweeter glaze)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden (optional, but adds flavor).
Step 2: Bake
1. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
2. Drizzle 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar over each piece.
3. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Add Toppings
1. Remove the dish from the oven.
2. Top each chicken breast with tomato slices and mozzarella cheese.
3. Return to oven and bake for 5–10 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finish with Glaze
1. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
2. Sprinkle with fresh basil and optional Parmesan.
Homemade Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or brown sugar
Instructions:
Simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until thickened and reduced by half.
Notes & Tips
Juicy chicken tip: Don’t overbake — remove once internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add veggies: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus alongside for a full Mediterranean meal.
Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Make it caprese-style: Add a drizzle of pesto before baking for extra flavor.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — adjust bake time to ~30–35 minutes depending on thickness.
Q: What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and glaze?
The glaze is a reduced, syrupy version of vinegar with a sweeter flavor and thicker texture.
Q: How to reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
️ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~370 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g