Farmhouse Balsamic Chicken
This is the first recipe I invented. We were having a friend over who appreciated good food, and I wanted to amp up boring chicken breasts. I looked in the fridge and found mushrooms. mozzarella, and bacon. I also had jars of sun-dried tomatoes from my garden (I ate jars of them after I had my second son). And of course, I always have balsamic vinegar on hand (caprese salad, anyone?).
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thin
(oil-packed work especially well)6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley (or basil) for garnish
¼ cup balsamic sauce to drizzle (see below)
Note: A balsamic reduction gives this chicken dish a deeper, tangier, more savory finish, while a balsamic glaze adds a thicker, sweeter richness that beautifully complements the smoky bacon, creamy mozzarella, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Bonus: Like my chicken piccata, this recipe is easily adapted to be allium free: don’t use the garlic or onion powders.
Instructions
1. Season & Sear
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove temporarily.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes so they soften slightly.
3. Assemble & Bake
Return chicken to the skillet.
Top each piece with sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and bacon.
Bake until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbling ( 10–15 minutes)
4. Finish
Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve With:
creamy parmesan polenta
garlic butter pasta
crusty artisan bread
roasted asparagus or green beans
This Farmhouse Balsamic Chicken is a meal that brings everyone to the table. With juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, smoky bacon, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, creamy melted mozzarella, and that rich balsamic drizzle, every bite is full of rustic flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or sharing it with friends, this dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal and special enough to feel like something truly memorable.