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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella

Balsamic chicken breast with mozzarella that bakes up juicy and topped with melted cheese and a caprese-inspired finish. You’ll marinate, sear for golden color, then bake until 165°F for an Italian baked chicken dinner with a caramelized balsamic glaze.
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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
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 Salt
  • 1 pepper
  • 1 garlic powder
  • 1 Italian seasoning
Balsamic glaze marinade
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Toppings
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 balsamic glaze for drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Marinate the chicken
  1. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard in a bowl, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken, spoon sauce over, and marinate for 20 minutes while reserving some marinade.
Sear and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sear the marinated chicken in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the oven with the remaining marinade and bake for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Melt mozzarella and finish
  1. Remove from the oven and top each breast with mozzarella slices and cherry tomatoes. Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden at the edges.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For best flavor, keep the reserved marinade and use it while baking so the glaze concentrates as the chicken cooks. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). For a lighter option, swap honey for a reduced-sugar honey alternative or use part balsamic reduction and part low-sugar sweetener.