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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast

This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast is the ultimate dinner solution for busy nights when you want something that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts bake directly in a glossy, sweet, and tangy balsamic sauce that reduces to a perfect glaze right in the oven.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 301
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic about 5-6 cloves
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 red onion peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (430°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the four chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and then evenly sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the minced garlic over the meat. Rub the seasonings in to ensure full coverage.
    4 skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 pinch cracked pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
  3. Scatter the halved grape tomatoes and the sliced red onions into the dish, tucking them around the chicken pieces.
    2 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, 1/4 red onion
  4. In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and the remaining half-tablespoon of minced garlic. Pour this mixture directly over the chicken and vegetables. Flip the chicken once to ensure it is fully coated in the balsamic liquid.
    1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
  5. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts; they are done when they are no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast. Place the dish under the broiler (grill) for 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns a beautiful golden brown.
    3/4 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Serve the chicken immediately, making sure to spoon the extra balsamic pan juices over the meat.
    2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil

Notes

To ensure even cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking. For the best texture, use fresh mozzarella that you shred yourself rather than pre-packaged cheese.