Description
Baked Caprese Chicken brings together the fresh and vibrant flavors of a Caprese salad with the hearty goodness of chicken. This dish features juicy chicken breasts topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Italian seasoning (or substitute with dried oregano)
Salt and pepper
Balsamic vinegar
Cherry tomatoes
Bocconcini (mozzarella balls)
Fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top.
- Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and bocconcini mozzarella balls on top of each piece of chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can easily swap chicken breasts for thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add Pesto: For a burst of flavor, try drizzling some pesto on top of the chicken before baking.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can toss in some sautéed veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Storage: Store any leftover Baked Caprese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) preheated oven or an air fryer for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
- Tip for Juicy Chicken Breast: Don’t skip the resting step. After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking chicken. For perfect results, ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
