Description
This one-pan balsamic chicken with mozzarella delivers restaurant-quality flavor in 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken breasts surrounded by juicy tomatoes get drizzled with tangy balsamic sauce before being topped with melted mozzarella. The oven does all the work while you prep a simple side.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced and divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Place chicken breasts in prepared baking dish, drizzle with olive oil. Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and half the minced garlic. Rub seasonings all over each breast.
3. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion around chicken in dish. These will roast alongside chicken creating flavorful base.
4. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and remaining minced garlic in small bowl. Pour mixture over chicken breasts, flip each to coat both sides.
5. Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Time depends on thickness of chicken breasts. Check thickest part with thermometer.
6. Remove dish from oven and switch oven to broil. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over chicken breasts.
7. Return dish to oven and broil 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Let rest 5 minutes before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Pound thick chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
Don’t skip flipping chicken in balsamic sauce for maximum flavor.
Use meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out chicken.
Let chicken rest after baking so juices redistribute.
Position oven rack in upper third for better broiling.
Save pan juices to drizzle over rice or pasta.
Marinate chicken in balsamic mixture up to 4 hours ahead in fridge for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 135mg