This Easy Baked Caprese Chicken is a tasty dish made with juicy chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s topped with fragrant basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze!
You won’t believe how simple this is to make—just pop it in the oven and let it bake while you relax. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special but easy!
I love serving this with some crusty bread to dip in the extra sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this colorful, delicious meal! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook evenly. If you prefer something different, chicken thighs can be a delicious alternative, offering a juicier bite.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add great flavor. While large tomatoes work well, you could also use heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for extra taste. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes can be a good substitute.
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully and gives a wonderful creaminess. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella can be used, but you might miss some of that delightful texture.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a burst of flavor! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but remember to use less since dried herbs are more potent. Another option is to swap in oregano for a different flavor profile.
Balsamic Vinegar: It gives a nice tang. If you prefer, you can skip it or use a balsamic reduction for a sweeter flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about temperature control and cooking time. Here are some tips to help you:
- Start by searing the chicken just to golden brown. This locks in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pull the chicken out when it hits 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked meat.
- Don’t overbake; this can lead to dry chicken. Watch the clock and keep an eye on your chicken as it bakes.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking also helps redistribute juices, making every bite tender and juicy!
Easy Baked Caprese Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Baked Caprese Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken bakes evenly and becomes perfectly juicy.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds amazing flavor right to the chicken!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked. This step helps keep the chicken juicy!
4. Assemble in Baking Dish:
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a lightly greased baking dish. Make sure they are spaced out for even cooking.
5. Add the Toppings:
Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese. Make it look pretty—you eat with your eyes first!
6. Scatter Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the chicken in the baking dish. This will roast beautifully and add delicious flavor.
7. Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar:
If you like a little tang, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and chicken. It’s optional, but it adds a nice touch!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with the cheese melted and slightly golden.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle some fresh basil on top. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor! Serve hot, and don’t forget to spoon some of those roasted cherry tomatoes and juices over the chicken for extra deliciousness.
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful baked Caprese chicken that bursts with the classic Italian combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil!
FAQ for Easy Baked Caprese Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute, offering a juicier and more flavorful option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the desired temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Mozzarella?
If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can use shredded mozzarella cheese instead. Just be aware that it might not melt as creamy and delicious as fresh mozzarella, but it will still taste great!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and toppings up to a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate the assembled dish, and when you’re ready to bake, increase the cooking time by a few minutes as it will be cold from the fridge.
