Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Are you on the hunt for the ideal weeknight meal? We all know the criteria: it must be simple to make, bursting with flavour, reasonably healthy, and a dish the entire family will enjoy without a fuss. It might seem like a tall order, but we assure you, such a recipe exists. Allow us to introduce our phenomenal Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese.

This dish truly champions how simple, high-quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. Picture succulent chicken breasts, marinated in a deep, tangy balsamic glaze, baked until tender, and then crowned with bright, juicy tomatoes and a lavish blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s the kind of restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create in your own home. Let’s get started and show you how to make this delightful dish a new family staple.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Balsamic Chicken Bake

Before we jump into the method, let’s explore precisely why this dish is destined to become a fixture in your meal rotation. We believe it’s one of the finest ways to prepare chicken, and here are some of the reasons we think you’ll agree:

• Effortless Elegance: This recipe presents and tastes like a gourmet meal, yet it’s wonderfully straightforward to assemble. It’s the ideal choice for a hectic weeknight but feels special enough to serve when you have company.
• Packed with Flavour: The fusion of sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar, pungent garlic, and fragrant Italian herbs forms a marinade that gives the chicken an incredible depth of flavour. The fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella provide the perfect finishing flourish.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This is a healthy chicken dinner that you can feel great about serving. It’s rich in lean protein, low in carbohydrates, and brimming with fresh, wholesome ingredients, fitting perfectly into a balanced lifestyle.
• Family-Friendly: It’s hard to find anyone who can say no to juicy chicken and melted cheese. This meal is a certified success with grown-ups and children alike, ensuring dinnertime is both peaceful and delicious.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

The true beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. We let fresh, quality ingredients take centre stage. Here is a list of what you will need to have on hand.

For the Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, we suggest 4 medium-sized, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for pieces that are a similar size and thickness to promote even cooking.
• Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for searing the chicken and adding a lovely flavour.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are crucial for seasoning the chicken and amplifying all the other wonderful flavours.

For the Balsamic Marinade & Glaze

• Balsamic Vinegar: This is the hero ingredient! Using a decent-quality balsamic vinegar will elevate the dish significantly. It doesn’t need to be the priciest bottle, but do try to avoid the very thin, watery varieties. A good balsamic will be slightly thicker and have a beautifully balanced sweet and tart profile. To learn more about its benefits, you can read about why balsamic vinegar is a great choice for your pantry.
• Honey: We use just a tablespoon to cut through the vinegar’s acidity and help form that gorgeous, sticky glaze. Maple syrup is also a fine substitute.
• Minced Garlic: For the most authentic taste, we always recommend freshly minced garlic, though garlic paste will suffice if you’re short on time.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A teaspoon of a pre-mixed Italian herb blend works perfectly, or you can create your own with a mix of dried oregano and basil.

For the Topping

• Cherry or Plum Tomatoes: We find that halving them allows their sweet juices to mingle with the glaze as they bake.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: To achieve that perfect, creamy melt, we use a ball of fresh mozzarella packed in brine and slice it ourselves. It’s far superior in texture to pre-shredded cheese.
• Fresh Basil: A scattering of fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped, added at the very end. This brings a final burst of fresh, aromatic flavour.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Our Baked Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Ready to begin? We’ve organised this baked balsamic chicken recipe into clear, manageable steps. Just follow our guide, and you’ll be serving up a magnificent meal very soon.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film or inside a large, sealable bag. With a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently flatten them to a uniform thickness of about 1.5 cm (roughly ¾ inch). This is our top tip for ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly while remaining wonderfully moist. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Balsamic Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and your dried Italian herbs. This wonderfully simple concoction serves as both your marinade and your final glaze.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour approximately two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is thoroughly coated. Reserve the remaining third for later. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature, or for an even richer flavour, up to 4 hours in the fridge.
4. Sear for Colour (Optional but Recommended): Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe frying pan over a medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they are a beautiful golden brown. While not strictly necessary, this step adds fantastic colour and texture. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, simply transfer the seared chicken into a baking dish.
5. Arrange and Bake: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the pan or baking dish. Drizzle the reserved balsamic marinade over everything. Place the dish into a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Add the Cheese: Cautiously take the dish out of the oven. Drape the slices of fresh mozzarella over each chicken breast. Pop it back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, until the mozzarella is beautifully melted, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden.
7. Garnish and Rest: Allow the chicken to rest in the pan for a few minutes before you serve it. This crucial step lets the juices settle back into the meat, yielding a much more tender result. Garnish with a generous amount of fresh basil leaves.

Top Tips for the Best Results

If you want to guarantee your balsamic chicken is utterly perfect every time you make it, just bear these simple pointers in mind.

• Don’t Skip the Pounding: Ensuring the chicken has an even thickness is our number one secret to achieving juicy, flawlessly cooked meat. It stops the thinner edges from becoming dry while the thicker centre cooks through.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most dependable method for checking if chicken is perfectly cooked is with a digital meat thermometer. The internal temperature should register 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part.
• Let It Rest: We’ve already mentioned it, but it bears repeating. Resting the cooked chicken for 5 minutes is absolutely vital for keeping it moist and succulent.
• Don’t Scrimp on the Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella provides a far superior flavour and that classic “cheese pull” compared to the low-moisture, pre-shredded type. We think it’s well worth it!

Delicious Variations to Try

Although we are completely smitten with this recipe just as it is, it is also wonderfully adaptable. If you’re seeking another chicken meal that’s just as simple and delicious, you may also enjoy The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. Here are some fun ways you can personalise your chicken with balsamic glaze:

• Add More Veggies: Don’t hesitate to toss other vegetables into the baking dish. Sliced red onions, bell peppers, or courgettes would all make fantastic, colourful additions.
• A Cheesy Boost: For an extra salty and savoury note, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella just before its final time in the oven.
• Spice It Up: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade to give the dish a subtle, warming heat.

What to Serve with Your Balsamic Baked Chicken

This dish is a brilliant partner to a whole host of side dishes. Here are a handful of our favourite pairings:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These are perfect for mopping up every last drop of the delicious pan juices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Think asparagus, broccoli, or green beans, tossed in olive oil and roasted until they are tender with a slight bite.
• Pasta or Grains: Serve the chicken and its sauce over a bed of fluffy quinoa, couscous, or your preferred pasta shape. For pasta enthusiasts, our The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe offers another wonderful, comforting meal idea.
• A Simple Green Salad: A bowl of fresh salad leaves with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely, crisp counterpoint to the rich chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese ahead of time?

Of course. You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. When it’s time to eat, simply follow the searing and baking instructions. This makes it an excellent choice for an easy weeknight meal when time is tight.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, we suggest placing the chicken in an oven-safe dish and gently warming it at 175°C (160°C Fan) until it is hot all the way through. This method helps to avoid the rubbery texture that can sometimes result from using a microwave.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

While you can, we strongly encourage using fresh mozzarella for the very best flavour and texture. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking powders, which can prevent it from melting into that lovely, smooth, and creamy layer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is! Provided you check that your balsamic vinegar and other individual ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally free from any gluten.

A New Weeknight Favourite Awaits

And there we have it—our simple, sophisticated, and completely delicious recipe for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese that we are certain you will adore. It’s a wonderful example of how you don’t need complex techniques or a huge list of ingredients to make a truly memorable dinner. It strikes the perfect balance between healthy and comforting, making it a dependable choice for any night of the week.

Now, it’s over to you to get into the kitchen and give this a go! We would love to hear how you get on. Did you try any of our suggested variations? What sides did you serve it with? Please let us know in the comments section below. And if you enjoyed it, don’t forget to share this recipe with your nearest and dearest!