Name: Caprese Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 large tomatoes, sliced; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

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If you crave juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and sweet-tart tomatoes finished with a fresh basil and balsamic glaze, this Caprese Chicken Recipe is sure to be a new staple in your kitchen. The flavors of a classic Caprese salad meet hearty, oven-baked chicken for a meal that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to pull off. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or you’re after something impressive for guests, this dish is a beautiful fusion of color and comfort—all in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Caprese Chicken Recipe is how it relies on only a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Each item plays a key role, capturing the soul of Italian cooking by letting simple flavors shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, hearty foundation that soaks up all the flavors.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer taste and a gorgeous golden sear on your chicken.
Italian seasoning: This blend infuses herbal notes in every bite, delivering instant Mediterranean character.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth that perfectly complements the other seasonings.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors—don’t be shy with seasoning!
Tomatoes: Pick ripe, juicy tomatoes for their sweet, slightly acidic quality and vibrant color.
Fresh mozzarella: Sliced mozzarella brings creaminess that melts beautifully over the chicken and tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn or whole, basil adds that unmistakable aromatic finish and pop of green color.
Balsamic glaze: A sweet, tangy drizzle that ties every element together—store-bought or homemade both work wonders.

How to Make Caprese Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by patting your chicken breasts dry; this ensures a better sear. Then, generously season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t rush this step—seasoning the chicken well is the foundation of flavor for the Caprese Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Sear Chicken for Golden Color

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side. The goal is to create a gorgeous golden crust without cooking the chicken through yet. This quick sear locks in the juices and sets your dish up for tender results.

Step 3: Layer Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Remove the skillet from the heat. Top each piece of chicken with slices of juicy tomato, then follow with thick rounds of fresh mozzarella. The cheese will melt down luxuriously, so don’t hold back on those slices!

Step 4: Bake It All Together

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know your Caprese Chicken Recipe is ready when the chicken is cooked through (juices should run clear), and the mozzarella turns perfectly melty and bubbly.

Step 5: Finish with Basil and Balsamic Glaze

Straight from the oven, top each chicken breast with a handful of fresh basil leaves. Just before serving, drizzle everyone’s plate with a good splash of balsamic glaze for that final sweet-tangy touch. Every bite bursts with summer freshness and richness.

How to Serve Caprese Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A final sprinkling of torn basil leaves right before serving gives the dish both visual pop and vibrant flavor. If you’re aiming for elegance, try a few cracks of black pepper and a fine dusting of flaky sea salt to heighten the color and taste.

Side Dishes

This Caprese Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or a nest of al dente pasta. For lighter fare, serve over a bed of peppery arugula or baby spinach—let the juices mingle as a built-in dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style dinner, serve the chicken straight from the skillet for that fresh-from-the-oven appeal. If you’re feeling fancy, plate each chicken breast individually, alternating overlapping tomato and mozzarella slices, and drizzle the glaze in artistic swoops. Mini Caprese Chicken sliders with sliced baguette make for a fun party twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool, then store your Caprese Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a great candidate for meal prep and lunches.

Freezing

While fresh mozzarella doesn’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze leftover chicken (without the tomato and cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then top with fresh tomato, mozzarella, basil, and glaze after reheating for a quick, upgraded meal.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chicken in a 325°F oven, loosely covered, until warmed through. If microwaving, add a splash of water to the container and cover to keep the chicken moist. Add basil and glaze fresh just before serving to revive those classic flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a delicious alternative. Just keep in mind, the cooking time may be a bit longer—always check for doneness before serving your Caprese Chicken Recipe.

What’s the best way to make homemade balsamic glaze?

Simply simmer about 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar with a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar over low heat until thickened and glossy. Watch it closely—it’ll reduce quickly and make a lush drizzle for your Caprese Chicken Recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Definitely! You can sear the chicken, prep the toppings, and assemble everything ahead of time. Just pop the skillet in the oven right before guests arrive, then finish with basil and balsamic glaze to impress your friends with a fresh, fuss-free Caprese Chicken Recipe.

What tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Large, ripe tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom varieties are perfect—look for deep color and minimal seeds for the prettiest and most flavorful Caprese Chicken Recipe. Smaller vine tomatoes can also work, especially if you want extra sweetness.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for mozzarella?

If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based mozzarella alternative or even grilled eggplant slices for creaminess and flavor that pairs deliciously with the chicken and basil. The Caprese Chicken Recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meal that’s equal parts comforting and show-stopping, this Caprese Chicken Recipe is the answer. Grab those fresh ingredients and treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you) to a dinner that celebrates color, flavor, and just plain joy. Happy cooking!

Caprese Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Caprese Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, then topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, baked to perfection, and finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a flavorful and satisfying main course that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Caprese Topping:

2 large tomatoes, sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Sear the seasoned chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
Add toppings: Top each chicken breast with tomato slices and mozzarella.
Bake: Bake in the oven until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
Finish: Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.