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For this dish, you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced Chicken breasts are juicy and tender, making them perfect for baking. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture. It melts beautifully on top. You will also need: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 2 cloves garlic, minced Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color to the dish. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Garlic enhances the overall taste and aroma. Gather these simple items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat) Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy kick. Salt and pepper are essential for flavor. Oregano gives it an Italian touch. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets the oven ready for the chicken. While it heats, take a small bowl. Mix two cloves of minced garlic, two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, one teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. This mix adds great flavor to the chicken. Next, grab four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a baking dish. Season them well with salt and pepper. Pour half of your garlic-oil mixture over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Once your chicken is ready, bake it for about 20 minutes. This cooks the chicken halfway. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). After 20 minutes, take the dish out of the oven. Now, it’s time to layer! Add sliced mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Use one cup of fresh mozzarella for this. Next, sprinkle halved cherry tomatoes over the cheese. These add a juicy burst of flavor. Finally, drizzle the rest of your garlic-oil mixture on top. Don’t forget to add the chopped basil for extra freshness. Return the chicken to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and get bubbly. The tomatoes should look slightly roasted. When it’s done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before you serve, garnish with extra fresh basil. This not only looks nice but adds a lovely aroma. Enjoy your Mozzarella Basil Chicken! Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for chicken that feels firm and has no strange odor. If you can, buy organic or free-range chicken. This choice often tastes better and is healthier. To get that gooey, melty mozzarella, slice it thick. Use fresh mozzarella for a rich flavor. When adding it to the chicken, place it on top just before finishing cooking. This timing helps it melt perfectly without getting rubbery. Taste as you go. Start with the basic salt and pepper. If you want more flavor, add more garlic or oregano. For a kick, sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes. Always remember, it’s easier to add than to take away. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken breasts in the garlic-oil mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and basil will enhance the dish’s flavor significantly compared to dried or processed alternatives. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain the juices, ensuring tender and moist chicken. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste by adding vegetables. Think about using bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Slice bell peppers and add them to the dish. They give color and crunch. Zucchini works great when sliced thin. It adds a nice texture. Spinach wilts down and blends into the dish well. The more veggies, the more flavor! You can even mix them all for a colorful meal. Mozzarella shines, but other cheeses can be fun too. Try provolone or fontina for a twist. These cheeses melt well and have rich flavors. If you want a sharp taste, go for parmesan on top. It creates a crusty layer, adding a nice touch. Mixing cheeses can make each bite unique and delicious! Want some heat? Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Add more red pepper flakes for a kick. If you’re feeling bold, try a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, skip the heat altogether. You can also use fresh jalapeños for a fresh, spicy flavor. Tailor the spice to make it just right for you! After enjoying your Mozzarella Basil Chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the chicken fresh. Leftovers can stay good in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking dish and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat and flavor. This can make the dish juicier. If you use thighs, cook them a bit longer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Mozzarella Basil Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread: It soaks up the juices. - Pasta: Toss it with olive oil and herbs. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. - Rice or quinoa: These grains add a filling touch. These sides balance the dish and enhance the meal. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. If it’s pink, cook it longer. Always ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety. This blog post covered how to make Mozzarella Basil Chicken. We talked about the best ingredients, like chicken, veggies, and seasonings. I showed you step-by-step instructions, tips for choosing chicken, and how to melt cheese just right. You also learned different variations and how to store leftovers. Now, you can create a tasty meal that your family will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Mozzarella Basil Chicken

A delicious and easy chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes too.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season them generously with salt and pepper. Pour half of the garlic-oil mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until starting to cook through (internal temperature should be around 165°F or 75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and layer the sliced mozzarella cheese and halved cherry tomatoes over the top of each breast.
  • Drizzle the remaining garlic-oil mixture over the cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle the chopped basil on top.
  • Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tomatoes are slightly roasted.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword basil, chicken, easy recipe, mozzarella