Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner

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Are you looking for a quick yet savory dish that brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients with rich, tangy flavors? Look no further than Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts, a mouthwatering balsamic glaze, and a fresh mozzarella topping for a perfectly balanced, easy-to-make dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or preparing a solo meal, this dish ticks all the boxes for both taste and convenience. It’s ideal for weeknights when time is limited, but you still want something delicious and satisfying.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a few helpful tips for making the best Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella. By the end, you’ll be able to master this recipe with confidence and enjoy its incredible flavors.

Table of Contents

1. What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella
2. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella
3. Cooking Tips for the Best Balsamic Chicken
4. Nutritional Breakdown of Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
6. Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Meal

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella {#Ingredients}

To create this tasty and nutritious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients for each component: the balsamic sauce, the tomato mozzarella topping, and the chicken itself. Below, we’ve broken everything down for you:  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Ingredients for the Balsamic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar – This is the base of the sauce. It adds that distinctive tangy flavor that makes this dish so special.
• 2 tablespoons honey – The sweetness from honey balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil – These oils help bring everything together while keeping the sauce smooth and rich.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds depth and aromatic richness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) will infuse the sauce with a savory, Italian flair.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a sharp, tangy element and helps the sauce thicken just right.

Ingredients for the Tomato Mozzarella Topping:

• 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved – Grape tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and perfect for this recipe.
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls – The creamy texture of fresh mozzarella makes a lovely contrast to the tangy balsamic sauce.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped – Fresh basil provides an aromatic burst of flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Use these to season the topping to your taste.

Ingredients for the Chicken:

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness) – The chicken is the star of the dish, and even thickness ensures it cooks evenly.
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another high-heat cooking oil) – Used for searing the chicken and locking in the juices.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken breasts and bringing out the natural flavors.

Once you have all these ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from making a delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella {#Instructions}

Step 1 – Preparing the Balsamic Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil), minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk until everything is well combined.
2. Season the Sauce: Taste your balsamic sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey; if you like a sharper flavor, you can adjust the vinegar.
3. Set Aside: Once your sauce is seasoned to perfection, set it aside. You’ll use it shortly when cooking the chicken.

Step 2 – Preparing the Tomato Mozzarella Topping

1. Combine the Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Toss them gently to combine all the ingredients.
2. Season the Topping: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside as it will be placed on top of the chicken after baking.

Step 3 – Cooking the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken bakes evenly once added to the oven.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or your choice of high-heat oil) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating up, season your chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it turns a light golden color.
3. Add the Balsamic Sauce: Pour the balsamic sauce over the seared chicken. The sauce will start to bubble immediately and coat the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the skillet and incorporate them into the sauce, adding extra flavor.
4. Layer the Tomato Mozzarella Topping: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully layer the fresh tomato mozzarella topping over the chicken. This topping will melt slightly in the oven, creating a delicious and creamy texture.

Step 4 – Baking the Chicken

1. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender.
2. Let the Chicken Rest: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Cooking Tips for the Best Balsamic Chicken {#Cooking-Tips}

While the steps above will give you a delicious result, here are a few extra tips to ensure your Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella turns out even better:

Tip 1 – Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

One of the best ways to ensure your chicken breasts cook evenly is by pounding them to an even thickness before cooking. This step allows for uniform cooking, so the chicken doesn’t become dry at the edges while waiting for the center to cook through.

Tip 2 – Use an Oven-Safe Skillet

For this recipe, an oven-safe skillet is essential. This allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer it directly to the oven, saving you time and reducing the number of dishes you’ll need to clean.

Tip 3 – Let the Sauce Simmer

Letting the balsamic sauce simmer in the pan before adding the chicken helps to thicken the sauce, which makes it perfect for coating the chicken. Don’t rush this step! A little extra time will enhance the flavors and texture of the sauce.

Tip 4 – Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after it’s out of the oven helps the meat reabsorb its juices, resulting in a tender, juicy piece of chicken. Skipping this step could lead to dry chicken, so take the time to let it rest.

Nutritional Breakdown of Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella {#Nutritional-Breakdown}

If you’re watching your calories or trying to eat healthier, it’s helpful to know the nutritional profile of the dish. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	330
Protein	44g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	4g

This dish is relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for keto or low-carb diets. With 44 grams of protein per serving, it’s also a great option for fueling your body after a workout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) {#FAQ}

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. Thighs are slightly more flavorful and tender, making them a great alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the balsamic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat it before adding it to the chicken for a seamless cooking experience.

Can I Use Shredded Mozzarella Instead of Fresh Mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella is ideal for this recipe due to its creamy texture, shredded mozzarella can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the texture won’t be as creamy, and it may not melt as smoothly.

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

The chicken itself is best cooked fresh, but you can prep the sauce and topping in advance. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the dish and cook it as instructed.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Meal {#Conclusion}

In just a few simple steps, you can create Balsamic Chicken with Fresh Tomato Mozzarella, a flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the tangy kick of balsamic vinegar and the creaminess of fresh mozzarella. It’s the perfect option for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a busy weeknight, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With a rich, balanced flavor and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ready to try it yourself? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family, and feel free to leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out.

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