Balsamic Chicken with Mozzarella (Printable)
Juicy chicken baked in balsamic glaze with melted mozzarella and fresh basil.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade & Glaze
02 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons honey
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed oregano/basil/thyme)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Toppings
09 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
10 - 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
11 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
12 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken breasts in a single layer.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
04 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes to cook the chicken through.
05 - Remove the baking dish from the oven. Top each chicken breast with tomato slices and mozzarella cheese.
06 - Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, caramelized top.
08 - Let rest for 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The balsamic glaze creates this incredible sweet and tangy crust that makes everything else unnecessary
- It comes together in under 15 minutes of active time but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
02 -
- If your chicken breasts are thick on one end and thin on the other, pound them to even thickness or they'll dry out before cooking through
- The broiler step is completely optional but creates that restaurant quality char on the cheese
03 -
- Pound your chicken to even thickness before marinating for the most consistent results
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let it sit out while the oven preheats