Go Back
Baked balsamic chicken in a cast iron skillet with melted mozzarella, roasted grape tomatoes, and fresh basil

Baked Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Juicy chicken breasts seared golden and baked in a homemade balsamic glaze with fresh tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and basil. A flavorful one-pan dinner ready in 45 minutes.
Print Recipe Save to Pinterest
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil for sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz grape tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine halved or pearls whole
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or high-heat oil for searing
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mallet or rolling pin

Method
 

  1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Toss halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Add balsamic sauce and bring to a simmer. Scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Spoon tomato mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken.
  6. Bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness for juicy, evenly cooked results. Do not skip this step. Ciliegine mozzarella should be cut in half before using. Pearls do not need cutting. Chicken thighs can be substituted -- check doneness after 7 to 10 minutes in oven.