Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant grape tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella for a bursting flavor experience. This Italian-inspired recipe brings together sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or a special family dinner. The colorful presentation and fresh ingredients make it a standout choice on any dinner table, pleasing both the taste buds and the eyes.

Served over a bed of rice, pasta, or even a simple green salad, this dish can be easily tailored to individual preferences. The combination of textures from the juicy chicken, the soft mozzarella, and the burst of flavor from the tomatoes creates a beautiful harmony that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering meal!

Ingredients about Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

List of ingredients with measurements

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp 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
• 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 to taste

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you’re missing any key ingredients, here are some substitutions you can consider. Instead of balsamic vinegar, you could use red wine vinegar for a different flavor. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option. If you don’t have grape tomatoes on hand, cherry tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes will work well too. Fresh mozzarella can be swapped with shredded mozzarella or even feta cheese for a tangier twist.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the balsamic sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, avocado or olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. This step is crucial as it creates the flavorful sauce that will coat your chicken as it cooks, so make sure to mix it thoroughly. Once ready, set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the tomato and mozzarella mixture

In a separate bowl, take your halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. Gently toss them together until the ingredients are mixed well. Like the sauce, you will also want to season this mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and fresh black pepper to enhance its taste. Set this aside as well; it’ll be added to the chicken later.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pounded chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Allow the chicken to cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it is lightly golden brown. This browning step is essential as it develops a delicious crust on the chicken.

Step 4: Combine and bake

After the chicken is browned, pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute, making sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits stuck at the bottom of the pan. Once the sauce is bubbling gently, remove the skillet from the heat and add the tomato and mozzarella mixture on top of the chicken. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 18-23 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Best ways to serve Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella makes for a stunning centerpiece on the dinner table. The bright colors of the dish appeal to the eyes and the flavors satisfy the palate. Serve the chicken on a large platter, spooning the delicious tomato and cheese sauce over the top for an impressive presentation. Consider garnishing it with more fresh basil for an added touch of elegance.

Serving suggestions or pairings

This recipe pairs wonderfully with various sides. A creamy risotto or al dente pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic would complement the dish nicely. You could also serve it with a simple green salad topped with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier option, consider roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, which can be cooked in the oven simultaneously for an easy meal. Glider choices such as garlic bread or crusty baguette also make for perfect accompaniments, allowing everyone to savor every last drop of those delicious balsamic juices.

How to Store Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Proper storage methods

If you find yourself with leftovers (which are always welcome!), allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep all components together to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Tips for reheating or freezing

To reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a lid or microwave cover to retain moisture. Heat in intervals of 30-45 seconds until warmed through. If you prefer a crispy texture, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the chicken without the tomato and mozzarella mixture to maintain their texture. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat whenever you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making this dish is not evenly pounding the chicken breasts. Uneven thickness can lead to overcooked or undercooked pieces. Be sure to pound them until they’re about the same thickness throughout. Also, don’t skip the resting period after baking, as it helps keep the chicken juicy.

Helpful tips for better results

For even better flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the balsamic mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This extra time allows the chicken to soak up those delicious flavors. Additionally, using fresh ingredients enhances the overall taste, so opt for the freshest basil and tomatoes you can find.

Variation of Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

While this recipe is already quite flavorful as is, you can add your twists. Consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or arugula into the tomato and mozzarella mixture for added nutrients. You might also substitute the mozzarella with goat cheese for a tangier profile or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, this dish can be easily made keto-friendly by serving it atop a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice. If you are aiming for a vegan version, consider using grilled or roasted tofu instead of chicken and a dairy-free cheese alternative, making sure to adjust the marinade accordingly.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If you find that the sauce isn’t thickening as you’d like, you can let it simmer a bit longer after adding it to the skillet. Additionally, if the chicken seems undercooked, simply return it to the oven until it reaches the appropriate temperature.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare both the balsamic sauce and the tomato-mozzarella mixture in advance, storing them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply proceed with the chicken and pair it with the prepared ingredients for a quick and delicious meal.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good alternatives. For the honey, you can use maple syrup or even brown sugar. Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano if that’s what you have. Remember, your dish can still turn out delicious even with slight variations to the ingredients.

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