Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast – Easy Keto Mozzarella Dinner Recipe
Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in tangy balsamic vinegar, baked to perfection, and topped with melty mozzarella for a keto-friendly, Italian-inspired dinner that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, or a blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices, whole milk preferred)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat both sides. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes for best flavor).
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour any extra marinade over the top. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken if using.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. If chicken breasts are very thick, add 5 extra minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Top each breast with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or 1 slice. Return to oven and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Check after 8 minutes and cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If not, bake in 5-minute intervals until done.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Spoon some of the balsamic pan juices over each breast and serve hot.
Notes
Do not over-marinate the chicken; 30 minutes is plenty. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking. Add mozzarella only in the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Spoon pan juices over the chicken or veggies for extra flavor. Leftovers taste even better as flavors meld overnight. For dairy-free, use dairy-free mozzarella shreds. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; adjust bake time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese and pan juices
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 39
Keywords: balsamic chicken, keto chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, low carb dinner, Italian chicken, easy keto recipe, gluten-free chicken, weeknight dinner, meal prep