Description
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish. The tangy balsamic glaze adds depth to the tender chicken, while the melted mozzarella on top gives it a deliciously creamy finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. This will be the marinade.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. For quicker prep, you can skip the marinating time and proceed directly to cooking.
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Bake the Chicken:
- After marinating, place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour any leftover marinade over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked through.
-
Add the Mozzarella:
- Once the chicken is baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use part-skim mozzarella cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Serve this dish with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
- If you prefer a more intense balsamic flavor, drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with mozzarella
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg