Description
A cozy and elegant dish that combines tangy-sweet balsamic glaze with gooey fresh mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: cherry tomatoes or sliced roasted peppers for color
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a little dried oregano.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This sweet-tangy mixture will caramelize in the oven and build flavor.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sear chicken 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step is optional but helps lock in juices.
- Place chicken in the baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Spoon half the glaze over each breast, reserving the rest. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove chicken from oven, spoon remaining glaze over each piece, then top with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a browned top, switch to broil for 1 minute—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian