Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Cheese and Vegetables
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Chicken and Cooking
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare the balsamic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Mix the cheese and tomatoes: In another bowl, tear fresh mozzarella into pieces with your hands. Add halved grape tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Heat the skillet and brown the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Add the balsamic mixture and simmer: Give the balsamic sauce another stir, then pour it over the browned chicken in the skillet. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Topping and baking: Remove the skillet from heat, spread the mozzarella and tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty, cheesy balsamic chicken!
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be added on top before baking for extra crunch, but this will affect gluten-free status.
- Use an oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, to transfer from stovetop to oven easily.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella if preferred, but fresh gives the best texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preferences.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
