Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for a meal that’s both rich in flavor and keto-friendly, this Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese is the answer. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in tangy balsamic, baked to perfection, and smothered in melty mozzarella—making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. This dish is so versatile and easy, it’s bound to become a staple at your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfectly fits your ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
- Easy & Quick: Prep in just 10 minutes and let the oven do the work—ready in 35 minutes total.
- Flavor-Packed: Balsamic vinegar brings zesty tang while mozzarella adds a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it excellent for family dinners.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stays juicy and delicious, even when reheated for lunch the next day.
Ingredients for Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (what's balsamic vinegar?)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Arrange & Bake
Place the marinated chicken breasts in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over each breast. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
- For juiciest results, don’t overbake—use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Try using a high-quality balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor (read more about balsamic vinegar).
- Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
Variations of Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
- Caprese Style: Add fresh tomato slices under the mozzarella for a classic Italian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños before baking for some heat.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh thyme or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
Storage Instructions for Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For best texture, avoid freezing as the cheese may become grainy.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for a complete keto meal.
- Serve alongside cauliflower mash or zoodles for extra veggies.
- Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for added tang (make sure it’s sugar-free for keto).
Pro Tips for Perfect Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
- Use even-sized chicken breasts for uniform cooking (learn more chicken breast tips).
- Let the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, but even 10 minutes works in a pinch.
- Add the cheese only in the final minutes to avoid burning or over-browning.
FAQ: Keto Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well—just adjust baking time as needed, since they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is store-bought balsamic glaze keto-friendly?
Most store-bought glazes contain added sugar. Opt for homemade or check labels for a sugar-free version to keep it keto.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
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2In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
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3Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken, turning to coat both sides.
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4Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over each breast.
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5Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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