Go Back
–+ servings
baked Caprese chicken with balsamic vinegar glaze

Baked Caprese Chicken

Baked Caprese chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Using easy to find, fresh ingredients like mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, this recipe is a must try!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: from scratch recipes, lunch & dinner meals
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: baked Caprese chicken, caprese baked chicken, caprese chicken, easy chicken recipe, how to make baked caprese chicken
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 264kcal
Author: Deborah McDonald
Cost: 25

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 Enamel crock or baking tray medium size

Ingredients

  • 4 whole chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • salt and black pepper to taste and freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes sliced
  • 8-10 cherry tomatoes whole, multi colored
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese fresh and sliced
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto fresh
  • 1/4 cup basil fresh and chopped
  • 2 tbsps balsamic glaze

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Grease an enamel crock or baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until browned.Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, or if you are using an enamel cast crock like I am, you can leave them in there.
  • 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.
  • Top each chicken breast with tomato slices and fresh cheese. 
  • Add a few dollops of fresh basil pesto to the top of the chicken, and then sprinkle the cherry tomatoes around the skillet too.
  • 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.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Finish this chicken caprese recipe with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 570mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1216IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 326mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!