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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella

Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts baked in a rich balsamic glaze and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. A 30-minute dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Italian-American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade
  • 4 medium chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar high quality
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for glaze thickness
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Toppings
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped or chiffonade

Equipment

  • Large Oven-Safe Skillet
  • Meat Mallet (optional)
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
  5. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through.
  6. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
  8. Top each breast with mozzarella slices. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil and spoon extra pan sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stove for 2 mins to thicken.