Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
If you’re looking for a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare, this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese hits all the right notes.
With juicy, tender chicken baked in a tangy balsamic glaze and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, it’s a beautiful balance of flavors that’s perfect for any night of the week.
This dish brings together bold ingredients in a way that’s wholesome, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love the Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

- Elegant yet simple – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- Bold flavors – tangy balsamic glaze with rich cheese
- Quick to prep – under 15 minutes of active time
- Customizable – add tomatoes, basil, or veggies
- Family favorite – kid- and guest-approved
you can also read our Chicken Cheez: Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added depth)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place in the baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), and minced garlic. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the mixture reduces by about half and thickens slightly. Stir often.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Spoon a generous amount of the balsamic glaze over each chicken breast. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).
Step 5: Add Cheese & Broil
Remove foil, top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella and optional cherry tomatoes. Return to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle any extra glaze from the pan on top and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips for the Best Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast
- Don’t overreduce the glaze – it thickens more as it cools
- Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess
- Add tomatoes during the final bake for a burst of freshness
- Always rest the chicken to lock in juices
- Try a meat thermometer – 165°F is your goal
What to Serve with It
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Steamed or roasted green beans
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Quinoa or brown rice to soak up the sauce
- Buttered pasta or cauliflower mash for low-carb
Recipe Variations of Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast
Add Veggies
Tuck asparagus, spinach, or zucchini in the pan while baking.
Caprese-Style
Top with fresh sliced tomato and basil before adding the cheese.
Balsamic Mushroom Sauce
Stir in sautéed mushrooms to the glaze for a savory twist.
Dairy-Free Version
Skip the cheese or use a plant-based mozzarella substitute.

Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Balsamic vinegar honey, garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
- Optional: cherry tomatoes basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven and season chicken
- Make balsamic glaze
- Spoon glaze on chicken and bake covered
- Add cheese, broil briefly
- Garnish and serve
Notes
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 540mg
FAQs – Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Reduce bake time slightly.
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
You can, but making it fresh offers more control over flavor and sweetness.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How do I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your balsamic and mustard are certified gluten-free.
Can I skip the broiling step?
You can, but broiling helps brown and melt the cheese beautifully. Just bake a few extra minutes if skipping.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella is the ultimate mix of tangy, savory, and cheesy. It feels indulgent, yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare with clean, simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving a crowd or planning a quiet night in, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
For morechicken recipes you can see our Cheesy Chicken Bake – A Comforting, Family-Friendly Favorite