Juicy chicken breasts baked in balsamic glaze, topped with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes for bold, Italian flavor.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Spices
02 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Oils
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Condiments
04 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
→ Herbs
06 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
→ Vegetables
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Dairy
10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Garnish
11 - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
04 - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
05 - Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken. Add the cherry tomato halves around the chicken in the dish.
06 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
07 - Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
08 - Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
