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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella

Balsamic chicken breast with mozzarella baked until juicy and topped with melted, golden cheese plus a caprese-inspired finish. Caramelized balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil make this easy chicken dinner feel special.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and seasonings
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Use evenly thick breasts for even baking.
  • 0.25 tsp salt Use to taste.
  • 0.25 tsp pepper Use to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Use to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning Use to taste.
Balsamic marinade and glaze
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Minced fresh for best flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp balsamic glaze for drizzling Optional to drizzle at the end; use as desired.
Caprese topping
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced Slice so it melts quickly on hot chicken.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Marinate and prep
  1. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard together in a bowl until smooth. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then coat and marinate for 20 minutes, reserving some marinade for baking.
Sear and bake
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F, then heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the oven with the remaining reserved marinade. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Melt cheese and finish
  1. Remove the skillet from the oven and top each breast with mozzarella slices and halved cherry tomatoes. Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Let rest briefly so the glaze clings before serving.

Notes

For juicier results, choose similarly sized chicken breasts and marinate the full 20 minutes so the balsamic flavors soak in. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently at 325°F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for the best mozzarella texture. For a lower-sugar option, swap honey for a sugar-free honey alternative to keep the glaze effect.