Name: Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total, pounded to 3/4-inch thickness); 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2-3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh, thinly sliced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total, pounded to 3/4-inch thickness)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh, thinly sliced)

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or heavy pan to an even 3/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 4: Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes. (While marinating, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil.)

Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through (internal temperature around 155-160°F or 68-71°C).

Step 7: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on and around the cheese.

Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 9: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. This dish pairs well with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamier texture or shredded mozzarella for quicker melting.

Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or sliced sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.

Marinate the chicken longer in the refrigerator (up to 2 hours) to deepen the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier but may require slightly longer baking time. Adjust cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance and assemble it before baking. However, bake and garnish just before serving for the best texture and freshness.