Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

We’re often on the lookout for a weekday meal that feels a bit special without demanding hours of our time. It can be a challenge to find a dish that satisfies the whole family, from the fussiest eaters to the most seasoned food lovers. Picture this: wonderfully moist chicken breasts, bathed in a sweet yet tangy balsamic marinade, then baked with sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and finished with a generous topping of molten, stringy mozzarella. It’s the kind of comforting, flavourful meal that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable one.

If that sounds good to you, then you’re in the right place. We’re excited to share a recipe that has become a firm favourite in our kitchen. This guide for making the perfect balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese is set to become your new reliable choice for a dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious. We make it time and time again, and we have a feeling you will too.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Balsamic Chicken Bake

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s explore precisely why this dish is such a triumph. We like to think of it as a classic Caprese salad, transformed into a warm and satisfying main course. The timeless trio of tomato, basil, and mozzarella is elevated by the addition of tender chicken and a luscious balsamic glaze, creating something truly divine.

• A Symphony of Flavours: The balsamic vinegar offers a beautiful acidic sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the savoury chicken. It creates a sophisticated taste that’s remarkably straightforward to achieve.
• Simple and Swift: While it looks impressive on the plate, this dish is a fantastic solution for a busy weeknight. With very little hands-on time, you can let the oven do all the hard work, making it a brilliant easy balsamic chicken bake.
• Nourishing and Balanced: Made with lean protein, fresh tomatoes, and straightforward seasonings, this is a healthy option you can feel good about. It can be easily paired with steamed greens or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Wonderfully Versatile: We adore this recipe just as it is, but it’s also incredibly easy to adapt. Feel free to add your favourite vegetables, experiment with different herbs, or even use another type of melting cheese. We’ll share some of our favourite variations later!

The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Caprese Bake

The beauty of this chicken caprese bake is rooted in its simplicity, which allows the quality of each ingredient to really sing. Let’s look at the components that make this dish shine.

Choosing Your Chicken

For this recipe, we always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Try to select medium-sized breasts (around 170-200g each) of a similar thickness. If you find your chicken breasts are much thicker at one end, we suggest gently pounding them to create a more uniform thickness. This simple step is key to ensuring they cook evenly, preventing the thinner parts from becoming dry. For more guidance, have a look at our complete Chicken Breast Recipe guide.

The Magic of Balsamic

The quality of your balsamic vinegar can make a huge difference. For the best results, choose a good-quality balsamic vinegar from Modena. While it’s fantastic in the marinade as is, we love to create a simple balsamic glaze to drizzle over the finished dish. To do this, you just need to gently simmer the vinegar in a small pan until it reduces and thickens into a syrup, which intensifies its natural sweetness and tang. If you’re short on time, many supermarkets sell excellent pre-made balsamic glazes.

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

In our marinade, we call for dried Italian herbs to build a deep, savoury foundation of flavour. When it comes to finishing the dish, however, nothing compares to the vibrant aroma of fresh basil. Its distinctively sweet and peppery fragrance is the hallmark of a Caprese and introduces a welcome freshness that balances the creamy cheese. If fresh basil isn’t available, stirring a small amount of pesto through the tomatoes works as a lovely alternative.

The Perfect Melt

To achieve that glorious, gooey cheese pull, fresh mozzarella is essential. We strongly recommend using a ball of fresh mozzarella, the kind that’s packed in water or whey, which you can then slice or tear into pieces. It melts into luscious, milky pools that are simply irresistible. While you can use pre-shredded, low-moisture mozzarella, it won’t provide the same creamy, luxurious texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 700-800g total)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 225g fresh mozzarella ball, sliced or torn
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Balsamic Marinade & Glaze:

• 80ml balsamic vinegar, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Balsamic Baked Chicken Masterpiece

Are you ready to make a meal that your family and friends will request again and again? Let’s begin. Just follow these straightforward steps for a perfect result.

1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: First, let’s make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together 60ml of the balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the honey (if you’re using it), and the Dijon mustard. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag, pour over the marinade, and turn to coat. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the fridge for a deeper flavour.
2. Preheat and Prep: Get your oven preheating to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken in a single, uncrowded layer.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): To lock in flavour and achieve a beautiful colour, we highly recommend searing the chicken before baking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over a medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off (keep the marinade), and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until wonderfully golden-brown. This step builds a delicious crust.
4. Assemble the Dish: If you didn’t use an oven-safe pan, arrange the seared chicken in your prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon the tomatoes into the dish around the chicken. Pour the remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken and tomatoes.
5. First Bake: Transfer the dish to your hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be nearly cooked through, but the exact time will vary based on the thickness of the breasts.
6. Add the Mozzarella: Take the dish out of the oven with care. Arrange the slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella over the top of each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven for a final 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling, and the chicken is cooked through (a meat thermometer should read 74°C).
7. Garnish and Rest: As the chicken cooks, you can prepare a quick balsamic glaze. Pour the last 20ml of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and let it simmer over a low heat for 3-5 minutes, until it has reduced and thickened. Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 minutes before serving – this is vital for keeping it juicy! Drizzle with your homemade balsamic glaze and scatter generously with fresh basil leaves.

Our Top Tips for the Best Baked Chicken with Balsamic and Mozzarella

To help you achieve phenomenal results every time, we’ve put together a few of our most trusted tips.

• Don’t Skip the Rest: We’ve said it once, but it’s worth repeating! Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for five minutes before you slice into it lets the juices settle back into the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable method for preventing dry chicken is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked and safe when the internal temperature hits 74°C at its thickest point.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Be sure to give the chicken and tomatoes plenty of room in your baking dish. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get those lovely caramelised bits.
• Pound it Out: For chicken that cooks perfectly evenly, we recommend taking a moment to flatten the thicker part of the breasts. Simply place them between two pieces of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound them to a uniform thickness.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This baked chicken with balsamic and mozzarella is a showstopper that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some of our favourite accompaniments to turn it into a complete and healthy chicken dinner:

• Carbs: We love serving this with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy quinoa, orzo, or even just some warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
• Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, steamed tender-stem broccoli, or a simple green leaf salad dressed with a light vinaigrette are all fantastic, healthy options.
• Grains: A simple bed of garlic and herb couscous or creamy, rustic polenta would also be a delightful partner to this dish.

If you’re on the hunt for another chicken recipe that is guaranteed to impress, you simply must try our take on Marry Me Chicken. It offers a completely different flavour experience but is just as simple and satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, certainly. The chicken can be left to marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. You could also assemble the entire dish (holding back the cheese) a couple of hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, but remember to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the first bake, as it will be cooking from chilled.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, we find the oven works best. Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil to stop it drying out, and warm at 175°C (160°C Fan) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through.

Can I make this a mozzarella stuffed chicken breast?

Of course, and it’s absolutely delicious made that way! To create a mozzarella stuffed chicken breast, use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each breast. Fill the pocket with small cubes of mozzarella and a couple of fresh basil leaves before you season and sear it. Then, just follow the rest of the recipe, though you may find you need less cheese on top.

What is the best type of balsamic vinegar to use?

For cooking, a genuine Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI provides an excellent combination of quality and affordability. Its protected status guarantees it has been produced to a specific standard in Italy’s Modena region. For a more detailed look at balsamic vinegars, this guide from BBC Good Food is a fantastic resource.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Chicken Dinner Awaits

We have now shared everything you need to create a truly wonderful meal. This balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese is so much more than a simple recipe; it’s a full sensory experience. It’s the scent of garlic and herbs wafting through your home, the beautiful sight of golden chicken crowned with bubbling cheese, and the incredible taste of fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

This dish is proof that you don’t need fussy techniques or an endless list of ingredients to produce something exceptional. It’s sophisticated enough for guests, yet easy enough for any night of the week.

We truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it a new favourite in your home. So, head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that is sure to delight. When you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And don’t forget to share it with anyone who deserves a delicious, fuss-free dinner!