Description
This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with balsamic vinegar and topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts (600g / 21oz): 2 large, skinless, boneless breasts
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons / 30ml): For searing and flavor
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon / 5g): To season
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon / 2.5g): For seasoning
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon / 2g): Adds Mediterranean flavor
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon / 2g): For subtle garlic flavor
- Balsamic Vinegar (¼ cup / 60ml): For the glaze
- Honey (1 tablespoon / 15ml): Balances acidity
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (150g / 5oz): Sliced for topping
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoons / 15g, optional): For extra flavor
- Fresh Basil Leaves (2 sprigs): For garnish
- Cherry Tomatoes (6): Halved for freshness
- Toasted Pine Nuts (1 teaspoon / 5g, optional): For crunch
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Dry Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Make Glaze: Simmer balsamic vinegar and honey until thickened.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in a skillet for 2 minutes per side.
- Bake with Toppings: Brush with glaze, top with mozzarella, and bake.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Rest & Slice: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Plate & Garnish: Arrange, drizzle with glaze, and garnish with tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil.
Notes
Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Poultry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: chicken,balsamic,mozzarella,baked,easy,dinner,italian,weeknight