Baked Caprese Chicken
This Caprese Chicken is a one-skillet wonder made with juicy chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and basil—all drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze. It’s ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
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.