Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor but requires minimal fuss, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those foolproof meals where tender chicken breasts meet sweet balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella—all baked together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough to impress guests, I can’t wait to share every detail that makes this recipe a total winner in my kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The tangy balsamic reduction perfectly balances the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes for a mouthwatering combo.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, saving you from doing a mountain of dishes afterward.
- Moist, Evenly Cooked Chicken: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks quickly and stays juicy throughout.
- Fresh & Easy: The recipe uses fresh herbs and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The key to this Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe is picking fresh ingredients that complement one another. I always recommend looking for ripe, juicy grape tomatoes and good-quality fresh mozzarella because they elevate the dish from everyday to special. And the balsamic vinegar? It lends a rich depth that turns simple chicken into something extraordinary.

- Balsamic Vinegar: Use a good-quality aged balsamic for a sweet and tangy richness that can stand up to the chicken and cheese.
- Honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity in the balsamic.
- Avocado or Olive Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point helps get that perfect golden sear on your chicken.
- Garlic: Homemade minced garlic flavors instantly boost the entire dish.
- Italian Seasoning: This mix of herbs adds familiar Mediterranean warmth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the balsamic sauce.
- Grape Tomatoes: Their sweetness intensifies when roasted, pairing beautifully with the mozzarella.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (ciliegine or pearls): These provide creamy, melty texture that contrasts the chicken’s savory juices.
- Fresh Basil: Freshness is key here—basil brightens the entire dish with its aromatic punch.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pounded to even thickness so they cook through perfectly without drying out.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe is because you can easily swap out or add to it depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Variation: Sometimes, I like to add a handful of baby spinach or arugula under the chicken before baking for an extra boost of greens and color—it wilts wonderfully under the melted cheese.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese or leave it out and just double up on tomatoes and fresh basil for a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Whisk up the rich balsamic sauce
Start by combining balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Give it a good whisk until everything’s smooth and glossy. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This sauce will create that magical glaze in your pan, so make sure it’s perfectly balanced—sweet, tangy, and well-seasoned.
Step 2: Toss the tomato mozzarella medley
In another bowl, gently toss the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil with a pinch of salt and pepper. This fresh mixture gets added on top of the chicken before baking, so it’s going to melt into a creamy, colorful topping. If you’re using the slightly larger ciliegine mozzarella, slice the balls in half to ensure even melting.
Step 3: Sear your chicken to golden perfection
Heat up your skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Meanwhile, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot pan, cooking each side for just 1-2 minutes until golden brown—you want that caramelized crust locking in the juices but not cooking through yet. Pounding the chicken evenly ensures this step goes smoothly and evenly cooks the meat.
Step 4: Simmer with the balsamic sauce and top with tomato mozzarella
Pour your prepared balsamic sauce right into the pan once the chicken is seared. It should bubble up quickly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure gold for taste! Then, immediately turn off the heat and heap the tomato mozzarella mixture over the chicken, letting those fresh ingredients sit on top like a crown ready for the oven.
Step 5: Bake to juicy, melty perfection
Pop the skillet into your preheated 400°F oven and bake uncovered for about 18–23 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F. The tomatoes will soften, and the mozzarella will melt into a gooey blanket that’s simply irresistible. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking—that pause lets the juices settle so every bite is perfectly moist.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Pound Before You Sear: I can’t stress this enough—pounding your chicken to an even thickness means it cooks evenly and stays juicy every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your chicken room to sear properly. Crowding leads to steaming, which means you lose that beautiful golden crust.
- Let the Resting Magic Happen: After baking, letting it rest prevents the juices from running out immediately—you’ll get more flavorful, moist bites.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A sturdy cast iron or stainless steel pan goes straight from stove to oven, simplifying cleanup and keeping all those flavors intact.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes
I love to sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves right before serving—it adds such a fresh, peppery note and a pop of green that brightens up the whole plate. Sometimes, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper is all you need to bring the dish the extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus. For something more filling, I often whip up creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffly couscous to soak up the delicious balsamic juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate individual chicken breasts topped with the tomato mozzarella, then garnish with a swirl of balsamic glaze around the edge of the plate and a sprig of basil. It’s elegant but effortlessly rustic—guests always ask for my secret!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating. Kept this way, the chicken holds up beautifully for 3-4 days. The flavors meld even more, which is a nice surprise the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend storing the chicken and tomato mozzarella mixture separately to maintain the best texture. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, I like to reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth and a lid on top. This steams the chicken slightly, refreshes the mozzarella, and keeps everything tender without drying out.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great and add a little extra juiciness and flavor. Just keep in mind thighs might need a slightly longer baking time, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F inside.
-
Do I have to pound the chicken for this recipe?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is highly recommended. It helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender, preventing those dry edges you’ll hate. If you’re short on time, you could slice the chicken into thinner cutlets, but pounding is the easiest method.
-
Can I prepare the sauce and tomato mozzarella mixture ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be whisked together a day in advance and refrigerated. The tomato mozzarella mixture is best assembled 30 minutes before cooking to keep the tomatoes fresh and the basil vibrant.
-
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries. You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer chicken and sauce into a baking dish before adding the tomato mozzarella and baking. Just keep an eye on the cooking times as different pans may affect heat distribution.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this classic Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe has truly become a staple in my house because it hits all the marks: simple, vibrant, comforting, and packed with flavor. I hope you’ll give this one a try—you’ll love how easy it is to pull off a restaurant-quality meal with just one pan and fresh ingredients. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again!
Print
Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken recipe combines juicy, pounded chicken breasts with a flavorful balsamic and honey sauce, topped with a fresh tomato and mozzarella mixture. Cooked in a single oven-safe skillet, it offers a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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
Tomato Mozzarella
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
Chicken
- 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, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Prepare Tomato Mozzarella Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Season the pounded chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering and the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
- Add Balsamic Sauce: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. It should start to simmer immediately. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Tomato Mozzarella Topping: Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly distribute the tomato and mozzarella mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 23 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is fully cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful chicken.
Notes
- If using ciliegine mozzarella (cherry size), cut the cheese in half before combining; if using smaller mozzarella pearls, no need to cut.
- Pound the chicken between plastic wrap or in a plastic bag to an even thickness using a mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
- The original recipe used a mixture of soy sauce, tomato sauce, and lemon juice for the sauce but was revised to include balsamic vinegar for better simplicity and flavor.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to transition from stovetop searing to oven baking without transferring pans.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg


