Growing up, balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese was always a family favorite in my household. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the kitchen as my mom would pull the golden-brown chicken out of the oven, the melted mozzarella cheese glistening on top. It was the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and comforting – a dish that just made you feel at home.
To this day, the simple act of making this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese takes me back to those cherished memories. The way the balsamic vinegar caramelizes and creates a delectable glaze on the chicken, the gooey pockets of molten mozzarella – it’s a flavor combination that never gets old. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, yet tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
That’s why this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe has become my go-to, whether I’m cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a dinner party. It’s the kind of dish that everyone raves about, but you can whip up with minimal fuss. Let me share the secrets behind making it absolutely perfect every single time.
Table of Contents
Why This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
The key to this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe is all in the simple, yet ingenious technique. By first searing the chicken breasts to get a beautiful golden-brown crust, then baking them in a tangy balsamic glaze, you end up with the most juicy, flavorful chicken imaginable. And when you top it off with melted mozzarella cheese, it takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish. Look for breasts that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Balsamic vinegar: A high-quality balsamic vinegar is the star of the show, providing a sweet and tangy flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese gets perfectly melty and oozy when baked on top of the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds an aromatic depth of flavor to the balsamic glaze.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano complement the Italian flavors in this dish.
Step-by-Step Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. All you’ll need is a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, and you’re ready to get cooking.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of dried oregano or basil. Pour this balsamic glaze over the seared chicken.
4- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5- Remove the skillet from the oven and top the chicken breasts evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve your Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese immediately, garnished with fresh basil or oregano leaves.
Pro Tips for Success
– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through – you don’t want any undercooked spots.
– For extra-crispy seared chicken, pat the breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing.
– Adjust the baking time if your chicken breasts are particularly thick or thin. Thicker breasts may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
– Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can cause the temperature to drop and affect the baking time.
Serving and Storing Your Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. I love serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a side of garlic-parmesan mashed potatoes. And for an Italian-inspired meal, pair it with a heaping serving of al dente pasta tossed in a simple tomato sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also prepare this dish in advance by searing the chicken and making the balsamic glaze ahead of time. Store the components separately, then assemble and bake the dish when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping on the weekend.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Creative Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Variations
While the classic Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this versatile dish. Try swapping in different cheeses, like provolone or parmesan. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or a dash of red pepper flakes.
For a touch of sweetness, you can even add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic glaze. And in the summertime, top the chicken with fresh tomatoes and basil for a delicious Caprese-inspired twist.
Making Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Diet-Friendly
To make this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe more diet-friendly, you can easily make a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, simply serve the chicken over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
If you’re watching your carb intake, skip the mozzarella cheese and top the chicken with a sprinkle of grated parmesan instead. And for a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free mozzarella-style shredded cheese or omit the cheese altogether and enjoy the chicken on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides mozzarella?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can absolutely experiment with other cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or even a blend. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses like mozzarella will melt and get gooier, while harder cheeses like parmesan will create a more crisp, broiled topping.
Q: How long should I bake the chicken?
A: The baking time for this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe is 15-18 minutes, after you’ve seared the chicken first. This ensures the chicken cooks through fully without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare components of this dish in advance. The balsamic glaze and seared chicken can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge. Then, simply assemble and bake the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese recipe serves 4 people. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredient amounts and use a larger baking dish.
Q: What should I do if the cheese starts to brown too quickly?
A: If you notice the mozzarella cheese is browning or crisping up faster than you’d like, simply tent a piece of foil loosely over the top of the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will help the cheese melt without over-browning.
Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
Description
Tender, juicy balsamic-marinated chicken breasts baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. A delicious 30-minute meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a shallow dish, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat both sides.
3. 3. Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
4. 4. Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. 5. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. 6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. You can also use a balsamic glaze instead of plain balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken, tangy balsamic glaze, and melted mozzarella is truly unbeatable. And with how quick and easy it is to prepare, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in my household.
I hope you’ll give this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese a try – I guarantee it will soon become a new favorite in your kitchen, too. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #BalsamicBakedChicken. Enjoy!
