Golden Italian Chicken with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil & Balsamic Glaze

Golden Italian Chicken with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil & Balsamic Glaze is a simple, flavour-packed dinner featuring golden-seared chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil and a glossy balsamic glaze. It comes together in about 35 minutes and makes an easy weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Golden Italian Chicken

This chicken recipe brings together a handful of classic Italian-inspired flavours without requiring a complicated preparation. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic and paprika, then seared until golden before being finished in the oven with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.

• Quick and easy: Ready in around 35 minutes.
• High in protein: Each serving provides approximately 48g of protein.
• Full of flavour: Italian seasoning, garlic, basil and balsamic glaze add plenty of flavour.
• One-pan friendly: The chicken, tomatoes and mozzarella can all be finished in an oven-safe skillet.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

How to Make Golden Italian Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

3. Add the Tomatoes

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the chicken. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to begin softening.

4. Add the Mozzarella

Place slices of fresh mozzarella over each chicken breast. Once the mozzarella is in place, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

5. Bake Until Cooked Through

Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the mozzarella is melted and bubbling.

6. Add Fresh Basil

Remove the skillet from the oven and scatter the fresh basil leaves over the chicken and roasted cherry tomatoes.

7. Finish with Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken, melted mozzarella and tomatoes.

8. Serve

Serve immediately with the roasted cherry tomatoes and extra fresh basil. Spoon some of the pan juices over each chicken breast before serving.

Tips for the Best Italian Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry: This helps the seasoned chicken develop a golden exterior during searing.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give the chicken enough room to sear properly.
• Watch the cooking time: Chicken breasts can vary in thickness, so use the internal temperature as your guide.
• Add the basil after baking: Fresh basil is best added at the end so it stays fragrant and fresh.
• Finish just before serving: The balsamic glaze adds a glossy, sweet-tangy finish to the warm chicken and mozzarella.

What to Serve with Golden Italian Chicken

This chicken can be served with a simple salad, roasted vegetables or your favourite side dish. The juicy cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella and balsamic glaze also create plenty of flavour alongside the chicken, making the dish satisfying on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

This recipe is written for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If using another cut, cooking time may vary depending on its size and thickness.

Can I use shredded mozzarella?

The recipe calls for fresh mozzarella sliced over the chicken. Fresh mozzarella gives the topping its soft, melted texture.

Can I prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?

The recipe uses an oven-safe skillet to move the seared chicken directly from the stovetop into the oven. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chicken and tomatoes to a suitable baking dish before adding the mozzarella and continuing with the recipe.

When should I add the balsamic glaze?

Add the balsamic glaze after the chicken comes out of the oven. This keeps the glaze fresh and gives the finished dish its glossy appearance.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the centre. Because chicken breast thickness can vary, checking the internal temperature is the most reliable way to determine when it is cooked through.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes
Servings	4
Calories	Approx. 465 per serving
Protein	48g per serving

Final Thoughts

Golden Italian Chicken with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil & Balsamic Glaze is the kind of dinner that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Golden chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil come together beautifully with the sweet-tangy balsamic glaze.

With a short ingredient list and a total cooking time of around 35 minutes, it’s an easy recipe to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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