Never let cheese go to waste! (Balsamic baked chicken with tomatoes and cheese)

Every time I make a pizza, I try to use fresh mozzarella.  It just makes the pizza!  I made one for Gentleman Caller and I one night and there was cheese leftover.  I had to do something with it so it wouldn't got to waste.  The Cafe Delights balsamic baked chicken is always floating around on Pinterest so I decided to give it a whirl.  And I was so happy I did!

My only change is that I would brown the chicken first in a skillet really quick.  I always finds that adds moisture and texture to chicken breasts.  Other than that, this was sooo good.  I mean cheese, burst tomatoes and sweet balsamic sauce, what more do you need?

Make this and you will not be sorry.  I loved it even with the one change I wanted to make and so did Gentleman Caller.  Full recipe to follow the montage. Linking up with Meal Plan Monday!

I mean, doesn't that just look great?

The lovely cast.  Those tomatoes were on sale!!

Mix it all up and bake!

After awhile, you have this!

I served it with Brussels sprouts.  This would be great with some noodles!

Balsamic baked chicken with tomatoes and cheese (Adapted from Cafe Delights)
Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
cracked black pepper, to taste
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/4 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or basil, to garnish

Preheat oven to 430°F  Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Rub seasoning all over each breast. Arrange the tomatoes and red onion around the chicken in the dish.  Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, sugar and remaining garlic in a bowl to combine. Pour over the chicken breasts, flip each breast in the sauce to evenly coat.  Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle. Sprinkle with cheese and broil for 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.

Happy Cooking!

Missy