Description
Balsamic chicken breast sizzles with tangy flavor that makes dinner feel special without complicated steps. Marinating the meat in zesty balsamic vinegar creates a simple yet impressive main dish that comes together quickly for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (680–900 grams)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Garnish and Additions:
- 1 cup (150 grams) grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, sliced
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Thoroughly dry 4 chicken breasts (680-900 grams) using paper towels.
- Mix 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat each chicken breast completely with the seasoning mixture, pressing spices gently into the meat.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a cast-iron or oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot skillet. Sear for exactly 2 minutes until golden brown on first side.
- Flip chicken and sear opposite side for another 2 minutes, creating a light golden exterior.
- Whisk ⅓ cup (80 ml) balsamic vinegar with 2 teaspoons brown sugar in a small measuring cup until sugar dissolves.
- Pour balsamic mixture evenly over chicken in skillet. Scatter 1 cup (150 grams) halved tomatoes around the breasts.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Remove skillet and top each breast with 1 slice fresh mozzarella (about 25 grams).
- Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil leaves over chicken before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 75C (165F) for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Choose a thick, aged balsamic vinegar for deeper, richer flavor that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
- For a low-carb version, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to maintain the glaze’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg