Balsamic Chicken Bake
A deliciously easy Balsamic Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts, tangy balsamic sauce, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Equipment
- Oven Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
- Skillet For searing chicken
- Baking Dish To bake the chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bunch fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic until well combined. This sauce will add a delicious tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds great color.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around them for a burst of freshness.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature close to 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the balsamic sauce for a few hours before cooking. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.