Name: Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 2 Tbsp. oil, such as avocado or olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard; Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste; 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved; 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls); 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil; Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste; 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 2 Tbsp. avocado oil or other high-heat oil; Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s downright delicious and feels a bit fancy without the fuss, you’ve got to try this Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe. It’s one of those meals where the juicy, tangy chicken paired with fresh, melty mozzarella and bright tomatoes hits all the right notes. I swear, every time I make this, friends and family ask me to save it for their next visit. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through exactly how to make it shine in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The sweet and tangy balsamic sauce perfectly complements the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for a harmonious taste.
Simple Technique: Searing the chicken before baking locks in juiciness while creating a beautiful golden crust.
One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh basil, mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes delivers vibrant freshness that elevates this dish.

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella, Balsamic Chicken dinner, Easy chicken recipes, Quick weeknight meals, Fresh mozzarella chicken - The dish shows a white round pan filled with four layers of cooked chicken pieces topped with melted white cheese. Around and on top of the chicken, there are many red halved cherry tomatoes scattered evenly. Bright green basil leaves are placed on top, adding a fresh color contrast. The sauce in the pan is lightly golden and slightly oily, surrounding the chicken and tomatoes. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients play together like old friends—each one brings something special. The balsamic vinegar adds that signature tang and sweetness, balanced by honey and Dijon mustard. The fresh mozzarella melts into creamy goodness, punctuated by juicy grape tomatoes and fragrant basil. When shopping, pick the ripest tomatoes you can find, and don’t skip pounding the chicken for even cooking and tenderness.

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella, Balsamic Chicken dinner, Easy chicken recipes, Quick weeknight meals, Fresh mozzarella chicken - Flat lay of two whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl with deep brown balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of light green avocado oil, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a cluster of halved vibrant red grape tomatoes, fresh white mozzarella ciliegine balls, and a few bright green basil sprigs, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Balsamic vinegar: Gives a rich, tangy depth that’s irresistible once it caramelizes on the chicken.
Honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the vinegar’s acidity.
Avocado or olive oil: High-heat oils work great for searing, plus a healthy fat boost.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a robust punch of flavor that mingles beautifully with the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A handy blend that layers in herbs like oregano and thyme effortlessly.
Dijon mustard: Adds sharpness and a touch of heat to round out the sauce.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and perfect for roasting quickly alongside the chicken.
Fresh mozzarella balls: I recommend ‘ciliegine’ size—cut in half to melt perfectly without overpowering.
Fresh basil: The herbaceous freshness is what lifts this dish from good to wow.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounding ensures even thickness, so every bite cooks just right and stays tender.
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: Basics, but absolutely essential for seasoning all components properly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe is. It’s simple enough to tweak for your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Don’t hesitate to play with herbs or swap in different cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: One time, I added a handful of baby spinach on top before baking, which made it a little greener and added a nice texture. Totally recommend.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese or even goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Seasonal Change: In summer, I like adding sliced fresh peaches or roasted bell peppers for a subtle sweetness.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or on top before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the magic sauce

First, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Give it a good whisk until everything’s blended smoothly. I always season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste—that little adjustment makes a big difference. Set it aside for now; this sauce is going to carry a ton of flavor later on!

Step 2: Prep the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes

While the sauce rests, toss your grape tomatoes (halved) with fresh mozzarella balls and finely chopped basil in another bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. This combo is fresh, juicy, and super colorful—trust me, it’s as good to eat raw as it is baked on the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the chicken to perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F and heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season those chicken breasts well with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. When your oil is shimmering (a key hint you’re ready), add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until it’s lightly golden—this step seals in juices and builds flavor. Don’t rush it; good searing pays off!

Step 4: Simmer the sauce and add the tomato mozzarella

Pour the balsamic sauce mixture right over the chicken in the hot pan. It should bubble up and start simmering immediately—use a wooden spoon to scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are pure flavor gold! Take the pan off the heat, then spread the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly over the chicken. The contrast of the hot chicken and fresh toppings is one of my favorite parts of this recipe.

Step 5: Bake ’til just right

Slide the whole skillet into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 18 to 23 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into the thickest part—it should be juicy and no longer pink inside. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving; this resting time helps the juices redistribute so each bite is tender and moist.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Pounding: I used to overlook this step, but pounding chicken to even thickness really makes the difference between dry and juicy.
Hot Pan, Please: Getting your skillet properly hot before searing prevents sticking and locks in flavor better.
Fresh Basil Finish: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking for a burst of herbal brightness that elevates the dish.
Rest Your Chicken: Let resting happen even if you’re hungry—this keeps the juices inside the meat instead of spilling onto your cutting board.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella, Balsamic Chicken dinner, Easy chicken recipes, Quick weeknight meals, Fresh mozzarella chicken - A black skillet holds four brown, cooked chicken fillets layered with melted white cheese on top. Around and on the chicken are bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some sliced in halves, mixed with green basil leaves. The chicken sits in a light brown sauce that fills the skillet. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth underneath and fresh red tomatoes and green basil leaves are visible at the top corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to garnish this dish with a handful of fresh basil leaves right after baking—that fresh green color just pops against the rich colors of the chicken and tomatoes. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze over the top is my secret indulgence. It adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweet tang.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides. My go-to is a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery crunch contrast. Roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes also work well to soak up the balsamic sauce. For an easy weeknight option, steamed green beans or even a crusty bread for dipping never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve layered the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or even risotto. Sometimes I arrange slices on a large platter surrounded by the tomato mozzarella mixture and basil— it looks as gorgeous as it tastes. A drizzle of good quality olive oil and cracked pepper just before serving really makes it shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I put leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The flavor actually melds nicely overnight, making it great for next-day lunches or dinners. Just keep the tomato mozzarella mixture on top so everything stays moist.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken a few times, usually without the fresh mozzarella topping (since cheese can change texture when frozen). Freeze the chicken and sauce separately or together in a freezer-safe container, and it reheats well if you thaw it gently overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftovers into a moderate oven (350°F) covered with foil, which helps prevent drying out. It takes about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, reheating gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth on low heat works too—and you can add fresh basil after warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—they tend to be even juicier than breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, since thighs can be a bit thicker, and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Do I need to marinate the chicken for the balsamic sauce?

In this version of the Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe, there’s no need to marinate. The sauce is added to the chicken right after searing and then baked, which infuses plenty of flavor in a short time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can omit the mozzarella or substitute a dairy-free cheese alternative. Adding extra tomatoes and fresh herbs helps keep the dish flavorful and satisfying without the cheese.
What sides do you recommend with balsamic chicken?

Light salads, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are all fantastic options. They help soak up the beautiful balsamic sauce and create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe is truly one of those dishes I feel confident bringing to just about any occasion. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights, but impressive enough for guests. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how simple ingredients and a little care can turn into something memorable. You’ll love how the flavors come together and how easy it is to make. Give it a try—I can’t wait for you to hear how much your people adore it!