Balsamic Baked Chicken with Mozzarella (Printable)

Juicy chicken baked in balsamic glaze with melted mozzarella and fresh basil

# Ingredient List:

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)

02 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

04 - 2 tablespoons honey

05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

09 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

10 - 2 medium tomatoes, sliced

11 - Fresh basil leaves

12 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, optional

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit chicken breasts in single layer.

02 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in small bowl until combined.

03 - Place chicken breasts in prepared baking dish. Pour balsamic marinade over chicken, turning to coat evenly.

04 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

05 - Remove from oven. Top each chicken breast with tomato slices and mozzarella cheese.

06 - Return to oven and bake 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbly.

07 - Broil for 2-3 minutes for golden, bubbly cheese topping if desired.

08 - Let rest 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving.

01 -

The balsamic creates this gorgeous sticky finish that makes you look like you spent hours on technique
Melty mozzarella over tender chicken hits that perfect comfort food spot while still feeling elegant

02 -

Meat thermometer is nonnegotiable here, 165°F internal temperature means juicy chicken every single time
That broiler step can turn from golden to burned in seconds, set a timer and don't walk away

03 -

Pound your chicken to even thickness before starting, this one step eliminates dry overcooked edges
Let the baked chicken rest those crucial 3 minutes, otherwise all those juices end up on your cutting board instead of in your mouth