Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup for a subtle twist, and if you’re out of fresh mozzarella, a good quality shredded mozzarella will work wonders too!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup, a trick I picked up from my abuela to keep things tidy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This balsamic mixture is the heart of the dish, bringing that sweet and savory balance.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes if time allows — patience is key, just like the gentle simmering of my grandmother’s soups.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The aroma will remind you of a cozy kitchen filled with stories and chatter.
- Remove the dish from the oven, and place slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once done, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, and watch as this meal becomes a new family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International