When I first made this Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe, I knew it was a keeper. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels both elegant and incredibly simple, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
The combination of juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic glaze creates a harmony of flavors that I find absolutely irresistible. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. You can also enjoy a similar flavorful experience with Chicken Madras Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this delicious meal. Using fresh, high-quality components will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This lean protein serves as the perfect canvas for the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: This provides the signature tangy and slightly sweet base for the glaze.
- 2 Tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: For a bit of aromatic depth. Using fresh garlic offers the best flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: To bring out all the individual flavors of the ingredients.
- pinch of pepper: Just a small amount is needed to add a subtle kick.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: These roast alongside the chicken, bursting with sweetness.
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced: Layered on top of the chicken to add moisture and flavor.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and creamy texture.
- chopped basil for garnish: Adds a final touch of fresh, peppery flavor.
You can also enjoy similar cheesy delights like Baked Gruyere in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic Recipe for an indulgent appetizer.
Note: The ingredient quantities provided will yield approximately 4 servings.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking.
- Pasta Pairing: Serve the chicken and its delicious pan sauce over a bed of cooked pasta, like penne or linguine, to turn it into a more substantial meal.
- Make it a Meal: Complement the chicken with simple sides. Roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread are all excellent choices.
- Open-Faced Sandwich: Toast thick slices of French bread, top them with the baked Caprese chicken, and enjoy it as a hearty and delicious open-faced sandwich.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This is the ideal size for arranging the chicken without overcrowding.
- Small bowl: For whisking together the balsamic glaze ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure the glaze is smooth and well-combined.
- Meat thermometer: To accurately check that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken
This recipe is all about simple steps and big flavors. Just a few minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest of the work for you.
Prepare the Oven and Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer inside a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arranging them this way ensures they cook evenly.
Mix the Balsamic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Continue whisking until the honey is fully dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined. This simple glaze is the key to the recipe’s amazing flavor.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the sides of the chicken. Finally, place the large tomato slices directly on top of each chicken breast.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes of baking, place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast to allow it to melt beautifully.
Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil before serving. The fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and a final burst of flavor.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Over the times I’ve made this, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more delicious.
- Let the chicken rest: I always let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, I rely on my meat thermometer. Cooking chicken to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F is the best way to guarantee it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Thicken the sauce: Sometimes, I pour the pan juices into a small saucepan after the chicken is done. I’ll simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it into a richer glaze to drizzle over the top.
How to Serve Baked Caprese Chicken
This dish looks as good as it tastes. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a platter with the roasted cherry tomatoes scattered around. Drizzle any extra pan sauce over the top and add another sprinkle of fresh basil for a vibrant pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, a side of roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 13g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is great for planning meals ahead of time.
To Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Allow the chicken to cool completely, but remove the fresh tomato and mozzarella, as they don’t freeze well. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in a baking dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-30 minutes, adding fresh mozzarella and tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why this Baked Caprese Chicken is sure to become a new favorite.
- Incredibly Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The oven handles the rest, making it a low-effort, high-reward meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements creates a complex flavor profile that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding pasta, serving it with different sides, or even turning it into a sandwich. It’s a great base for your culinary creativity.
- Healthy and Fresh: Featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your family.
Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer inside a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arranging them this way ensures they cook evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Continue whisking until the honey is fully dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined. This simple glaze is the key to the recipe’s amazing flavor.
- Pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the sides of the chicken. Finally, place the large tomato slices directly on top of each chicken breast.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes of baking, place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast to allow it to melt beautifully.
- Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil before serving. The fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and a final burst of flavor.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest: I always let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, I rely on my meat thermometer. Cooking chicken to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F is the best way to guarantee it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Thicken the sauce: Sometimes, I pour the pan juices into a small saucepan after the chicken is done. I’ll simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it into a richer glaze to drizzle over the top.
