Tender chicken breast is glazed with tangy balsamic vinegar and crowned with melty mozzarella and oven-baked cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. A balance of acidity, creaminess, and natural sweetness makes this a crowd-pleasing, diet-friendly main course.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approx. 6 oz each)
1/3 cup (80ml) traditional aged balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp each: oregano, basil, thyme)
4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (¼” thick)
12-15 cherry tomatoes, halved
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish
Pound chicken breasts to ½” thickness for even cooking
Marinate chicken in balsamic mixture for 15 minutes
Place mozzarella slices on top of chicken breasts
Add halved cherry tomatoes around each chicken breast
Bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheeses are melted
Use a meat mallet to tenderize chicken breasts gently
Fresh mozzarella is ideal for moisture retention
Gluten-free if using pure balsamic vinegar without additives
Serve with lemon wedges for a final acidity boost