Balsamic Baked Chicken with Mozzarella (Print version)
Juicy chicken baked in balsamic glaze with melted mozzarella and fresh tomatoes
# 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)
# Method:
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 begin cooking 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, bubbly top.
08 - Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The balsamic glaze creates this incredible sticky sweetness that makes everything taste restaurant-quality
- You can have it in the oven in under 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
- That melted mozzarella on top makes even the most basic weeknight feel like a celebration
02 -
- The honey in the glaze can burn quickly so keep an eye on it during those last few minutes
- Letting the chicken rest before serving makes such a difference in juiciness
03 -
- Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness before starting for perfectly uniform cooking
- Room temperature chicken takes the marinade better and cooks more evenly