Description

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, then baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes. Garnished with vibrant basil, it’s a delicious and elegant meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

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)

Toppings and Garnish

1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh, thinly sliced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Chicken & Marinade: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even 3/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate Chicken: Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes. During this time, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil.
Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange the breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 155-160°F (68-71°C).
Add Topping & Finish Baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on and around the cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Pair with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to the same thickness.
You can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes to develop deeper flavor, but avoid much longer to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or shredded mozzarella for quicker melting.
Checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken and food safety.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, chicken with tomatoes, balsamic vinegar chicken, oven baked chicken