Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast With Balsamic Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese
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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast With Balsamic Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese
Description
The "Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast With Balsamic Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese" brings together chicken breasts seasoned with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and minced garlic. The chicken is arranged in a baking dish surrounded by halved grape tomatoes and sliced red onion. A sauce of balsamic vinegar mixed with brown sugar and additional garlic is poured over the ingredients, coating them evenly.
Baking at a high temperature allows the chicken to cook through while the tomatoes soften and release juices to mingle with the balsamic sauce, creating a rich and tangy base. After the chicken is cooked and no longer pink inside, shredded fresh mozzarella is added on top and broiled until melted and slightly browned, adding a creamy component that complements the acidity of the sauce and the savory herbs.
This entree can be served alongside rice or pasta, with the pan juices spooned over to enhance flavor. Fresh parsley or basil garnish adds a herbal note and visual appeal.
For best results, fresh mozzarella is preferred over pre-packaged shredded types, as it offers better melting characteristics and flavor. Adjust baking times depending on chicken thickness to avoid undercooking or drying out.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste, cracked
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese fresh shredded
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, or basil, to garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C | 430°F.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Rub seasoning all over each breast. Arrange the tomatoes and red onion around the chicken in the dish.
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, sugar and remaining garlic in a jug to combine. Pour over the chicken breasts, flip each breast in the sauce to evenly coat.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes (depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts), or until no longer pink in the middle. Sprinkle with cheese and broil (or grill) for 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with parsley, and serve with rice or pasta drizzled with the pan juices.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella cheese is recommended for melting and flavor; pre-packaged shredded mozzarella lacks the same effect.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 301 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 301kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 855mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 673mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 971IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 143mg | 14% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.