Caprese Chicken Recipe
I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for dinner recipes that look fancy, taste incredible, and require minimal cleanup. That’s why this Caprese Chicken has become one of my top go-to meals. It’s everything you want from a weeknight dinner: bold Italian flavors, juicy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and those tangy-sweet bursts from roasted grape tomatoes. And the best part? It’s made in one skillet and ready in under 40 minutes.
What Is Baked Caprese Chicken?
Caprese Chicken is a delicious take on the classic Italian Caprese salad—mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—layered over golden-seared chicken breasts. Then we drizzle on some balsamic vinegar and pop everything in the oven to finish. It’s warm, savory, a little sweet, and unbelievably satisfying.
Why It’s the Perfect Quick Dinner
If you’re anything like me, after a long day, the last thing you want is to face a mountain of dishes. This Healthy Chicken Caprese recipe saves you from all that because it’s a true one-pan meal. Plus, the ingredients are fresh, simple, and store-friendly. It’s also gluten-free and lower in carbs, making it a balanced dinner option for just about anyone.
My Inspiration for This One-Skillet Recipe
This dish actually came to life during a summer tomato boom from my garden. I had so many cherry tomatoes, I didn’t know what to do with them—until one day, I layered them with mozzarella and basil over chicken, and the rest is delicious history. Since then, it’s joined the ranks of our all-time faves like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken and Jalapeño Peach Chicken.
Ingredients Overview
Complete Ingredient List
You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen:
Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt
Grape tomatoes
Garlic
Balsamic vinegar
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil
Optional: balsamic glaze
Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
No pearl mozzarella? Use sliced fresh mozzarella instead.
Out of grape tomatoes? Cherry tomatoes or even Roma tomatoes (diced) work great.
Italian seasoning: Swap with garlic herb seasoning for a twist.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that’s filling and nutrient-dense.
Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
Basil: Anti-inflammatory properties and loads of flavor.
Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats.
Mozzarella: Calcium-packed, and yes, totally comforting.
Exact Ingredients
Here’s your precise Caprese Chicken grocery list:
4 small chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ cup pearl mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken on a cutting board, covering it with plastic wrap, and pounding it to an even thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning and salt.
Pan-Searing for Flavor and Texture
Heat a tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet. Place the chicken smooth-side down and sear for about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. You want that golden crust—it’s flavor gold!
Adding Tomatoes, Garlic, Oil, and Balsamic
Add the tomatoes and garlic to the skillet, then drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Baking Until Perfectly Tender
Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 15–25 minutes (depending on chicken thickness). Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp.
Melting Mozzarella Under the Broiler
Top each piece with mozzarella, and pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Finishing with Basil and Balsamic Glaze
Just before serving, scatter fresh basil over everything and drizzle with balsamic glaze. It adds such a fantastic sweet contrast!
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Why Pound the Chicken Breasts
This helps them cook evenly and prevents drying out.
How to Know When It’s Perfectly Cooked
Always aim for 165°F internal temp. I never skip my meat thermometer—it takes out the guesswork.
When to Add Basil for Best Flavor
Add it fresh at the end. Cooking it too early mutes the flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
I love adding red onion slices for sweetness or a spoonful of pesto for an herby kick. It’s also similar to what I do in my Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls.
Baked Caprese Chicken Substitutions
Chicken Thighs vs Chicken Breasts
Thighs work too! Just increase the bake time to 30 minutes if they’re bone-in.
Fresh Mozzarella Alternatives
You could use shredded mozzarella in a pinch, but the texture and richness of fresh mozzarella can’t be beat.
Tomato Type Substitutions
Any small, juicy tomato works—cherry, grape, or even cocktail tomatoes.
Balsamic Glaze Guide
How to Make a Homemade Glaze
Just simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens. For detailed steps, check out the glaze notes in our Southwest Chicken Salad.
When to Use It and Why It’s Optional
It’s optional, but highly recommended. It adds a delicious sweet-tangy finish!
Serving Suggestions
Ideal Side Dishes
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole if you want something hearty
Wine Pairings
Go for a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.
How to Serve for a Dinner Party
Serve on a white platter with a sprig of basil and a drizzle of glaze—it’s showstopping.
Make-Ahead Tips
Season and sear the chicken ahead of time.
Store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking: Leads to dry, rubbery chicken.
Skipping the Broil Step: You’ll miss out on that gorgeous cheese melt.
Using Dried Basil: Trust me, it’s not the same.
FAQs
What temperature should chicken be cooked at?
Bake at 400°F until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Can this be made with chicken thighs?
Yes! Just bake for a little longer—closer to 30 minutes for bone-in.
How do I make homemade balsamic glaze?
Simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until reduced by half.
What sides go best with Caprese Chicken?
Try garlic green beans, couscous, or even a fresh watermelon feta salad.
How do I keep chicken juicy in the oven?
Don’t overbake, and always use a meat thermometer.
Can I grill instead of bake this recipe?
Absolutely! Just transfer it to foil on the grill for the cheese-melting step.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat in a covered dish at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 406 kcal
Protein: 51g
Fat: 19g
Carbs: 6g
If you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and downright impressive, Caprese Chicken is it. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight, but chic enough for guests. Once you try it, I promise it’ll go into regular rotation—just like it did in our home.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below or snap a pic and tag us!
Baked Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grape tomatoes sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup pearl mozzarella cheese or 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning and salt.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken smooth-side down for 4 minutes, flip and cook 3 more minutes.
- Add sliced tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove from oven, top each breast with mozzarella. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and optional balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If using larger chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally before cooking.
- For added flavor, include red onion slices or a spoonful of pesto before serving.
- You can use shredded mozzarella in a pinch, but fresh mozzarella is best.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is key for juicy chicken.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for 2 months.
