Baked Caprese Chicken

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Baked Caprese chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with the flavors from a classic caprese salad, including ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil, creating a mouthwatering flavor combination that will surely please everyone at the table.

Why We Love This Recipe

One of the reasons we love this Caprese chicken recipe is because it is so versatile. You can serve it with a side of pasta or a salad for a complete meal or slice the chicken and use it as a topping for pizza or in a sandwich. This recipe is also a great way to use fresh tomatoes and basil from your garden or farmers’ market. It is also one of those easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy!

My kids have become as obsessed with the combination of tomato, mozzarella and basil as much as I have! They get so excited when I say we are having baked Caprese chicken for dinner! This is one of those chicken dishes that they will be asking for until I am old and grey!

If you love cooking with chicken, you can also try my braised chicken and leek recipe or our family’s favorite delicious pesto-stuffed chicken.

Ingredient Substitutes 

I always recommend making this easy chicken dinner as written the first time; however, you can try any of these variations for something slightly different.

• Use goat cheese or feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Try using sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a more flavorful and moist dish.
• Use chicken tenders or chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time.
• Add a 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the skillet to achieve a tender braised effect on your chicken.
• Dried basil can be used instead of fresh basil if you don’t have any fresh herbs available.

How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken

This easy chicken breast recipe is made up of simple ingredients that have loads of flavor! I promise that this delicious chicken dinner will become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large Roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 8-10 juicy cherry tomatoes 
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4. cup, pesto or make your own using my fresh basil pesto recipe
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsps of balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an enamel crock or baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Add the chicken breasts to a cast-iron skillet and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until browned.
5. Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, or if you are using an enamel cast crock like I am, you can leave it there.

6. Slice the Roma or heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices. Next, thinly slice the mozzarella cheese, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.

7. Top each chicken breast with tomato slices and fresh cheese. 

8. Add a dollop of fresh basil pesto to the top of the chicken, and then sprinkle the cherry tomatoes around the skillet too.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the juicy chicken breast is cooked through, and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. The chicken breast should be golden brown with melted mozzarella on top.

10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Finish this chicken caprese recipe with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Your baked chicken caprese is now ready to serve! Serve it with a side of pasta or a salad, and Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks 

Here are a few tips to make this easy dinner recipe even better:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This includes fresh tomatoes, good-quality mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
• If you prefer a crispy crust on your chicken, you can dredge the chicken breasts in flour before cooking.
• Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking for a more flavorful dish.

Try Baked Caprese Chicken With

​Although the recipe tastes so good, you can add any of these variations for a slightly different dish.

• Add balsamic vinegar glaze or balsamic reduction to the dish for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Use cherry or grape tomatoes instead of sliced Roma tomatoes for a different presentation.
• Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more juicy and flavorful dish.
• Sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top for a slightly different taste.
• Add some cooked pasta to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.

How To Store

Here’s how to store baked Caprese chicken. The leftover chicken tastes just as good when reheated the next time!

1. Let the baked Caprese chicken cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Transfer the chicken to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
4. To reheat the chicken, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

It’s important to note that reheated chicken may not be as juicy and flavorful as freshly baked chicken. If you plan to store the chicken for later, you should undercook it slightly to prevent it from drying out during reheating. Keep the chicken separately from any pasta or other side dishes to avoid the flavors from mingling and the pasta from becoming soggy.

Shop The Kitchen

I get so many requests for items in my kitchen that I have started including what I use in my recipes. If you aren’t finding what you are looking for or if you want to see some of the other items from my home, head over to my Amazon Shop or the B Vintage Style Shop.

Other Recipes To Try

Baked Caprese chicken is one of those easy chicken recipes that taste great with so many side dishes. Try it with a side salad, green beans, or any of these delicious options:

• Sautéed Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese and Toasted Almonds
• Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad With Balsamic 
• Easy Watermelon Basil Salad

Frequently Asked Question

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