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Juicy baked balsamic chicken breast topped with melted mozzarella cheese and bright cherry tomatoes, perfect for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to keep everything from sticking.
  2. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until combined and glossy.
  4. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until golden brown—not fully cooked yet.
  5. Transfer the seared chicken to your greased baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes all around.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  7. Pull the dish out of the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each breast. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, slightly golden, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Serve warm, optionally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Mozzarella substitutes: provolone or fontina cheeses can be used for a flavor variation., To add heat, include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the balsamic sauce., If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, sun-dried tomatoes make a good substitute., Serve alongside pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal., Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; adjust baking time to ensure internal temperature of 165°F is reached., For meal prep, marinate chicken overnight or prepare the dish (without cheese) up to 24 hours ahead; add cheese before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerygood.com/balsamic-baked-chicken-breast-with-mozzarella-cheese-chicken-magic-recipes/