Baked Caprese Chicken
Baked Caprese Chicken is simple, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Chicken is topped with zesty seasonings, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes. Garnish with a balsamic glaze and fresh basil for a deliciously easy meal!
Easy dinner recipes don’t get much simpler (or more delicious) than this baked caprese chicken. With juicy tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s summer on a plate, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
If you’re anything like me, there’s always a ripe tomato (or five) lying around, which makes this dish a go-to favorite.
I’m a sucker for anything with those classic Italian flavors. Whether it’s a chicken caprese quesadilla, pasta salad, garlic bread, and grilled cheese. —I’ve caprese’d it all.
This version might just be the best. The chicken bakes to golden perfection before being smothered in creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes. Basil finishes it off for a vibrant, satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes. Mmm, mmm good!
What is Caprese?
Caprese is an Italian dish made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s usually served as a salad, often with olive oil or balsamic. There are many variations, including ones with fruit, vegetables, or even baked dishes like this baked caprese chicken.
Ingredients for Caprese Chicken
With just a few fresh ingredients, this one pan caprese chicken delivers big, bold flavor. Here’s what to gather:
- Chicken: I used thinly sliced chicken breasts for this recipe, but regular chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thighs would work. Remember that cooking times will vary based on the cut of chicken.
- Seasonings: a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Fresh mozzarella: it’s a must in this recipe! Skip the deli-style sliced cheese and buy the fresh kind that comes in a package. It’s thick, tasty, and perfect for this chicken recipe.
- Tomatoes: while any tomato will work, I like to use vine-ripened tomatoes when cooking. It tastes slightly fresher than a roma or cherry tomato.
- Fresh basil: another must! While you can use dried basil leaves if you’re short on time (or don’t have the fresh kind on hand), fresh basil really gives this dish so much flavorful.
- Balsamic glaze: I use a store-bought glaze that you can find near the vinegar in your grocery store. It’s fast, convenient, and tastes delicious! However, you could make your own balsamic reduction or even use a balsamic dressing.
How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken
I love that this recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep and that it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. Here’s an overview of how the recipe comes together:
- To start, line a large baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken onto the prepared pan. Lightly brush with olive oil and then sprinkle with some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake chicken until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove from oven and top with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melty.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a balsamic glaze.
How to store baked chicken breasts
Let chicken come to room temperature and then store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
What to Serve with Caprese Chicken
Keep the sides as simple as you’d like. Some of my favorite sides to serve with this baked caprese chicken include:
Tips for Making Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- I used chicken breasts, but thinly sliced breasts, tenderloins, or thighs work, too. Just note that cooking times will vary.
- Make sure to buy fresh mozzarella that’s packed in water, not pre-shredded or sliced mozzarella.
- I prefer using vine-ripened tomatoes for this recipe because they’re juicier and more flavorful.
Looking for more easy chicken dinners? I’ve got you covered!
You can find all of my 30-minute recipes here. Below are some of my favorite quick chicken dinners:
- One Pan Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken
- Honey Balsamic Chicken
- Easy Teriyaki Chicken
- Baked Salsa Chicken
- One Pan Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi
- Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Baked Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, (about 4 ounces, or more if you like extra cheese)
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Balsamic glaze for garnish, (I used a store-bought glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Place chicken onto prepared pan in an even layer and lightly brush with olive oil. Then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into center of chicken reads 165°F.
- Remove from oven and place one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, followed by one (or two) slices of tomato. Return to oven and cook until cheese is melty, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leave and balsamic glaze.
Notes
- A note about the chicken: thinly sliced breasts, tenderloins, or thighs work, too, but cooking times will vary.
- Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Baked Caprese Chicken above the recipe box.
Absolutely LOVE this recipe! Made it for the first time tonight & it was a hit at our house! The ease of baking the chicken in the oven rather than in a skillet on the stovetop is so convenient & easy! Thank you for creating this delicious recipe that will now be a staple at our house moving forward!
I’m so glad you enjoyed, Kristin! This os one of my favorites, too!