Name: Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 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; 8 oz. grape tomatoes, halved; 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls); 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil; 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

If you’re looking for a vibrant dinner that captures all the glorious flavors of summer in just one skillet, Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella is your new go-to. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts, a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze, and a crown of creamy mozzarella and fresh tomatoes—all baked together for a weeknight meal that feels like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more flavor mingling in every bite.
Fresh, Bright Flavors: The juicy, sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella paired with tangy balsamic and fragrant basil create a mouthwatering balance that’s irresistible.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining, this dish always gets rave reviews and brings a bit of elegance to the table.
Fuss-Free Yet Impressive: It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in under an hour with simple, accessible ingredients.

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella lies in how each humble ingredient becomes essential—layering simple flavors and textures into a beautifully balanced dish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why every element earns its spot in your skillet.

Balsamic vinegar: This is the backbone of your sauce—full-bodied and happily tangy, it brings a deep, rich character to the whole dish.
Honey: Just enough sweetness to mellow out the vinegar and create that signature sweet-tart glaze.
Olive oil or avocado oil: Use a high-quality oil for sautéing and keeping the chicken moist and golden while adding a subtle, fruity note.
Fresh garlic: Two cloves bring sharp, aromatic complexity that ties everything together.
Italian seasoning: A quick way to infuse the dish with an herbaceous, Mediterranean vibe. If you want, sprinkle in some extra dried oregano or basil for even more flavor.
Dijon mustard: Just a spoonful gives the sauce a gentle, tangy backbone and a little zing.
Grape tomatoes: These juicy beauties burst with flavor and add summery color to every bite.
Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy ciliegine or pearls are perfect—they melt just enough to become irresistibly gooey but keep their shape.
Fresh basil: Sprinkled over the top, basil brings a burst of freshness and signature aroma that completes every forkful.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to even thickness for supremely juicy, evenly cooked pieces every time.
Kosher salt and black pepper: These pantry staples are essential for seasoning throughout the recipe—don’t forget to taste and adjust as you go!

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.

Variations

Part of what makes Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella such a winner is just how adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients based on what you have or to suit your dietary style—this recipe welcomes creative spins!

Use Chicken Thighs: Prefer dark meat? Substitute boneless, skinless thighs for an even juicier result and extra depth of flavor.
Make it Dairy-Free: Replace mozzarella with a vegan cheese or simply skip it, letting the tomatoes and basil shine even more brightly.
Change the Herbs: No fresh basil? Try chopped parsley or even a scattering of fresh arugula for a peppery punch at the end.
Add Veggies: Toss in sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach with the tomatoes for an extra shot of color and nutrition.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Step 1: Whisk Together the Balsamic Sauce

Grab a medium bowl and mix up your balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This is more than just a marinade—it’s a flavor bomb that will caramelize around your chicken in the oven and bring that signature glaze to the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Mozzarella Topping

In another bowl, toss together halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and plenty of fresh basil. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to let these summer ingredients really shine. Set this aside; it’ll come in at just the right time for maximum freshness.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high. While it’s heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil shimmers, nestle the pieces in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. This step locks in juices and builds flavor in the pan.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Layer the Toppings

Pour the balsamic sauce mixture over the chicken and let it bubble up briefly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Immediately scatter the tomato mozzarella mixture all over the top—don’t be shy, you want a little in every bite!

Step 5: Bake to Juicy Perfection

Slide the whole pan into the oven. Bake, uncovered, for 18–23 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F) and the cheese is wonderfully gooey and golden in spots. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle and every bite is as moist as possible.

Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Even Thickness Matters: Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking—this ensures perfectly juicy results and that everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken a little space while searing, or work in batches—crowding can steam the meat instead of giving it that golden crust.
Let the Sauce Simmer Briefly: After adding the balsamic mixture to the hot pan, let it bubble up and deglaze for a minute—you want to loosen all those delicious browned bits for extra flavor.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Hold some fresh basil back to scatter over the chicken just before serving for a fresh, bright pop that really brings the dish to life.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Garnishes

Nothing beats the finishing touch of even more fresh basil—tear or thinly slice it to scatter all over the top. A crackle of black pepper or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze gives the dish extra drama and intensifies the garden-fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella absolutely shines alongside garlic butter rice, fluffy quinoa, or a rustic loaf of bread that’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious pan juices. Add a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for balance, and you have a stunning, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching rustic look, serve straight from your cast iron skillet and let everyone dig in family-style. Or, slice the chicken and layer on a platter over arugula for a beautiful buffet centerpiece—don’t forget an extra drizzle of sauce over the top for visual (and taste!) appeal, making the most of those vibrant tomato mozzarella colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even more cozy overnight.

Freezing

While the chicken itself freezes just fine, the tomatoes and mozzarella can change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze just the chicken and sauce, and add fresh tomato and mozzarella when you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until hot, or microwave individual portions in short bursts. If you reserved extra fresh basil, add it just before serving for a burst of renewed freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella?

Absolutely! While creamy mozzarella is classic (and melts beautifully), you can substitute slices of provolone or even shreds of fontina for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just choose a cheese that melts easily for best results.
Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

Nope! Any large, oven-safe skillet works perfectly. If you don’t have one, just sear the chicken on the stove in your favorite pan and then transfer everything to a baking dish to finish in the oven.
Can I make Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella ahead of time?

You can! For the freshest results, prep the balsamic sauce and tomato mozzarella topping ahead, and even sear the chicken early. Wait to assemble and bake just before serving to keep the textures perfect and the cheese melty.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment and use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a heavy skillet. Pound gently from the center outward until each piece is the same thickness—this ensures juicy, even cooking and is especially helpful for Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella a spot in your dinner rotation! Every bite bursts with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil in a crave-worthy balsamic glaze. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular night into something special—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe just like I have.