If you're looking for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner, this Baked Balsamic Chicken Breast is it. Juicy, tender chicken is baked with sweet cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy balsamic glaze, then finished with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s the kind of easy, satisfying recipe you'll want to make on repeat—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
😍Why You'll Love It
It’s packed with bold, savory flavors and comes together in just one pan—making cleanup a breeze. Juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic glaze are topped with melty mozzarella for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
✅Baked Balsamic Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking. You can also substitute with boneless chicken thighs.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor, but any light olive oil works well too.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don't have it, use a mix of what you have on hand.
- Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy, Mediterranean touch. Can be swapped with dried thyme or basil if needed.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced or even garlic paste in a pinch.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Both work equally well; use whichever is available.
- Red Onion: Adds sweetness and color. Yellow or white onion can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Key to the sauce's tangy-sweet flavor. Look for aged balsamic for a richer taste, or use balsamic glaze for a thicker result (reduce the sugar if using glaze).
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar. You can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh slices melt beautifully, but shredded mozzarella works just as well. For more flavor, try a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
🔪How to Make This Balsamic Chicken Recipe
- Place chicken in a baking dish and season with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat.
- Add tomatoes and red onion around the chicken.
- Whisk balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, pour over the chicken, and flip to coat both sides.
- Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Top with mozzarella and broil for 4–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or basil and serve warm over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Best Temperature for Baking Chicken Breasts
For juicy, evenly cooked chicken breasts, 425°F (220°C) is one of the best temperatures. It helps seal in moisture and gives you a nice golden finish without drying out the meat. Just be sure to bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast?
The baking time for chicken breast depends on the thickness and whether it's boneless or bone-in. Here's a quick guide for boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a 425°F (220°C) oven:
- Thin (½ inch thick): 15–18 minutes
- Medium (1 inch thick): 20–25 minutes
- Thick (over 1 inch): 25–30 minutes
Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy!
Sides for Baked Balsamic Chicken
The beauty of this dish is that you can eat it plain with Focaccia bread. Another great option is to serve it over spaghetti with pan juices. Mashed Cauliflower or Steamed Broccoli are low carb sides. Try it also with our Mediterranean Fattoush Salad. It is divine!
More Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes
Hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! We will be happy to hear from you!
Baked Balsamic Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts approximately 2 pounds or 1 kilogram
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ tablespoons minced garlic cloves about 5 to 6 cloves
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ½ red onion sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil finely chopped
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) °F.
- Place 4 skinless chicken breasts in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1½ tablespoons minced garlic cloves, salt and black pepper. Rub the seasonings and garlic evenly over each piece. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- Scatter 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes and ½ red onion (sliced) around and underneath the chicken in the baking dish.
- In a small cup, whisk together ¼ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the chicken, then flip each breast once to coat both sides well.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
- Remove the dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with mozzarella. Broil for 4–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition
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Jane says
This recipe was a total hit in my house! The chicken came out so juicy and flavorful, and the balsamic glaze with the tomatoes and onions added just the right amount of sweetness. I served it over pasta and my whole family went back for seconds. Definitely adding this to my weekly dinner rotation!
Tatiana says
I’m so happy to hear that, Jane! It makes my day knowing your family enjoyed it. Thanks so much for trying the recipe and sharing your feedback. 💛