Delicious Balsamic Baked Chicken with Mozzarella 🍗🥗🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for a **healthy**, low-carb dinner that combines rich flavors with easy preparation? This **baked chicken** recipe featuring balsamic vinegar and melted mozzarella delivers exactly that — a perfectly tender, flavorful, and keto-friendly meal. Whether you’re on a **keto diet** or simply want a **delicious baked chicken** dish, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. With its vibrant balsamic glaze and gooey mozzarella, it’s an indulgence that doesn’t compromise your **healthy** eating goals.
2. Ingredients for Balsamic Baked Chicken with Mozzarella
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or basil and oregano)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables for serving
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making Balsamic Baked Chicken
Prepare the marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This marinade will infuse the chicken with rich flavor and keep it moist during baking.
Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the balsamic marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes — longer if possible for deeper flavor infusion.
Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
Bake the chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour some of the marinade over the top for extra flavor. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add the mozzarella and finish baking
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, paired with your favorite low-carb veggies or a simple side salad. For more **healthy** chicken ideas, check out our healthy chicken recipes.
4. Storage Tips for Balsamic Baked Chicken with Mozzarella
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent the cheese from becoming too gooey upon reheating, consider adding the cheese fresh when reheating.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Balsamic Baked Chicken
This **baked chicken** pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach, for a complete low-carb meal. You can also serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zoodles for a keto-friendly alternative. For a more filling option, try it alongside our garlic butter mushrooms and spinach orzo.
6. FAQs about Balsamic Baked Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay extra moist during baking. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! With its low-carb ingredients and healthy fats, this **baked chicken** dish is perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, marinate the chicken in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready. It simplifies weekly meal prep and saves time on busy days.
What are good substitutions for mozzarella?
For a different flavor, try provolone, cheddar, or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Including marinating time, expect about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. The actual baking takes approximately 25 minutes.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for chopping garlic and vegetables quickly and efficiently, making prep work a breeze.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep your drinks chilled while you enjoy your delicious baked chicken meal.
- Kenmore Pro-Style Electric Range – An essential for even baking and roasting to get perfect results every time.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Ideal if you want to make homemade cheese or other complementary dishes.
8. Related Recipes You Might Love
- Savory Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
9. Conclusion
This **delicious baked chicken** with balsamic and mozzarella is a flavorful, healthy, and low-carb dinner option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight. Its rich balsamic glaze paired with melty mozzarella creates a comforting yet **keto-friendly** meal that everyone will love. Incorporate it into your weekly meal plan and enjoy a wholesome, **healthy** dish. For more tips and recipes, visit our collection of dinner recipes and discover new ideas to keep your meals exciting and nutritious.
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Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese | Keto Gourmet Dinner Recipe
A flavorful and healthy keto-friendly baked chicken breast recipe featuring a balsamic glaze topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a low-carb dinner, this dish combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or basil and oregano)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish, pour marinade over, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange marinated chicken in the dish, pour some marinade over, and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove from oven, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over chicken, then bake an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with your favorite low-carb sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken longer, up to 2 hours.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs as a flavorful alternative, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently to avoid melting the cheese too much upon reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg