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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe | Juicy & Cheesy

I’ve tried a lot of chicken recipes, but this balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese recipe quickly became my favorite. The combination of tangy balsamic, sweet roasted tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella is irresistible. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with a rich, savory aroma that makes me hungry before the meal even starts.

I love how easy it is to prepare yet looks and tastes like a fancy dish. If you enjoy creamy, flavorful chicken, you might also love creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes recipe. Let me walk you through making this simple, flavorful recipe.

Ingredients

To make this balsamic baked chicken breast, you’ll need fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples for the best flavor. Here’s what works perfectly:

Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless (choose fresh, not frozen, for juicier results)
Balsamic Vinegar – 1/3 cup (adds tangy-sweet depth that caramelizes beautifully)
Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons (balances the acidity of the balsamic)
Garlic – 2 tablespoons minced (fresh garlic works best; it gives a fragrant punch)
Grape Tomatoes – 1 cup halved (roast them for natural sweetness and juiciness)
Red Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced (adds mild sweetness and flavor complexity)
Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (for coating the chicken and roasting veggies evenly)
Dried Oregano – 1 teaspoon (enhances the Italian-inspired flavor)
Dried Basil – 1 teaspoon (complements oregano and tomato flavors)
Salt – 1 teaspoon (season according to taste)
Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground adds a subtle heat)
Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup shredded (grate fresh for better melting and flavor; you can also try roasted red pepper mozzarella stuffed chicken recipe for another cheesy twist)
Fresh Parsley – for garnish (optional, adds color and freshness)

Note: several serving

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Dairy-Free – Use a plant-based cheese alternative instead of mozzarella.
Sugar-Free – Swap brown sugar for a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
Extra Flavor – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Herb Twist – Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace basil and oregano for an aromatic variation.

Cooking Time

This dish comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Baking Dish – for roasting chicken and veggies evenly
Mixing Bowl – to whisk the balsamic sauce
Whisk – ensures brown sugar dissolves and flavors blend well
Knife and Cutting Board – for slicing onions and halving tomatoes
Oven – for baking and broiling the chicken
Spoon or Brush – to coat chicken with oil and sauce

How to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 430°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic over the chicken. This step infuses the meat with a fragrant, balanced flavor before roasting.

Add Tomatoes and Onions

Scatter halved grape tomatoes and sliced red onion around the chicken. These vegetables release natural sweetness and juices while baking, complementing the balsamic glaze perfectly.

Make the Balsamic Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and remaining garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every piece is coated for maximum flavor.

Bake and Broil

Bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and juicy. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, then switch your oven to broil for 4–5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the chicken with rice, pasta, or bread to soak up the delicious pan juices. This dish makes for a complete, flavorful meal.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience making this recipe several times, here’s what I’ve learned:

I like to pound the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
Roasting tomatoes and onions a little longer enhances their natural sweetness.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
I sometimes add a drizzle of balsamic reduction at the end for extra flavor.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

How to Serve Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese

This dish looks amazing with simple plating:

Serve on a white plate to make the vibrant colors pop.
Garnish with parsley or fresh basil for visual appeal.
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Drizzle extra pan juices or balsamic glaze over the top for a restaurant-style finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving of this delicious balsamic chicken:

Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size)
Protein: 35-40g (chicken is a great lean protein source)
Carbohydrates: 10-12g (mostly from tomatoes and balsamic)
Fat: 15-18g (healthy fats from olive oil and cheese)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Chicken tends to retain moisture well when covered.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I keep coming back to this dish:

Easy to Prepare – Minimal prep and hands-on time make it stress-free.
Juicy and Flavorful – Balsamic glaze keeps the chicken tender and rich in taste.
Versatile – Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Customizable – Can easily adjust herbs, sweetness, or spice to your liking.
Impressive Presentation – Looks elegant without requiring advanced cooking skills.

This balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese is a perfect blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Ben Carraoli