Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese – Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken with Italian Flavor and Melty Cheese
Samantha
This balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese is a go-to oven dinner that’s easy, flavorful, and nourishing. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, topped with melty mozzarella, and baked to perfection—all in one dish. With bold Italian flavors and minimal prep, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, macro-balanced meal prep, or a healthy alternative to traditional cheesy chicken dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 325 kcal
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh basil for garnish
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Arrange in the baking dish. Place chicken breasts in a single layer. Scatter tomatoes around them.
Add balsamic glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Bake. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Add cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken and return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish. Top with fresh basil and serve hot.
Secret Tips for the Perfect Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let your chicken breasts soak in the balsamic marinade for at least 30 minutes—preferably overnight. This infuses every bite with that tangy, slightly sweet Italian flavor.
2. Pound to Even Thickness: Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly in the oven and stay juicy without drying out.
3. Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts into a creamy, stretchy layer that pairs beautifully with the juicy oven-baked chicken. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor.
4. Bake Covered, Then Uncover: Start baking your balsamic chicken covered with foil to trap moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes to let the mozzarella cheese bubble and brown.
5. Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute. This keeps every bite succulent and flavorful.
6. Add a Fresh Finish: Top with fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten up the rich, melty cheese and savory balsamic glaze.Keyword balsamic baked chicken, cheesy balsamic chicken, easy oven chicken meal, healthy chicken breast recipes, high protein chicken dinner, italian chicken with cheese, low carb baked chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken breast bake, weeknight chicken dinner ideas
