– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Creating the perfect Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is easy if you follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
3. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator if available.
4. Place in Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
5. Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Add Mozzarella: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve with your favorite sides.