Caprese Baked Chicken

$To make Caprese Baked Chicken, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 chicken breasts - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Using the right amounts is key for flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Chicken breasts: Each breast should be about 6 ounces. - Cherry tomatoes: Halving them helps release their flavor. - Fresh mozzarella: Look for small balls, called bocconcini. - Basil: Use fresh leaves for the best taste. - Balsamic glaze: This adds a sweet touch, so use it wisely. - Olive oil: This keeps the chicken moist. - Salt and pepper: Season to your liking. - Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These enhance the chicken's flavor. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Chicken: Use thighs for a juicier result. - Tomatoes: Any ripe tomatoes can work in a pinch. - Mozzarella: Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. - Basil: Oregano can substitute, but it changes the taste. - Balsamic glaze: Use vinegar mixed with honey as a quick fix. - Olive oil: Avocado oil is a great alternative for roasting. These swaps can keep your meal fresh and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make Caprese Baked Chicken, gather your ingredients first. You need chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, and some spices. This dish is simple and quick to prepare. Let’s dive into the cooking steps! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. 2. In a large bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. 3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the mixture. 4. Season with salt and pepper, then stir gently to combine. 5. In another bowl, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are well-covered. 6. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. 7. Top each chicken breast with the tomato and mozzarella mix, spreading it evenly. 8. Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the chicken. 9. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). 10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in. Keep your oven at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This temperature cooks the chicken well without drying it out. Check the chicken after 25 minutes. If it’s not done yet, give it a few more minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat. To make your Caprese Baked Chicken shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture. Use high-quality olive oil for a rich flavor. Don’t skip the basil; it brings freshness and aroma. Drizzling balsamic glaze at the end enhances the dish's look and taste. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always check the internal temperature. If it’s over 165°F, the chicken can dry out. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Season both the chicken and the tomato mixture well. Finally, avoid crowding the baking dish; give the chicken space to cook evenly. To bake your chicken perfectly, preheat your oven to 400°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but check early. Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps the juices settle back in. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours before cooking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes. They will elevate the taste of your Caprese Baked Chicken. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier final dish. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or thyme to the chicken seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Make it a Meal: Serve the Caprese Baked Chicken with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad to create a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can mix up the cheese in this dish. While fresh mozzarella is classic, you can try other options. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Feta cheese brings a salty kick. For a creamier touch, use burrata. Each cheese gives a unique taste to your Caprese baked chicken. Feel free to customize your Caprese baked chicken. Add sliced olives for extra saltiness. You can also toss in some spinach for added greens. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes. These small changes can make the dish your own and keep it exciting. To make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the tomatoes. Instead, use zucchini or mushrooms for a veggie base. You can also use a low-carb cheese option like cheddar or Monterey Jack. This way, you keep the flavors while lowering the carbs. Enjoy a tasty meal that fits your diet! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken from the tomato and cheese mix. This keeps the moisture from making the chicken soggy. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat on medium for 2-3 minutes or until hot. If you want to freeze Caprese Baked Chicken, it's best to do it before reheating. Wrap each chicken breast well in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then follow the reheating instructions above. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful. They also stay tender when baked. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. Caprese Baked Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are a few tasty options: - Garlic bread or crusty rolls - A fresh green salad - Roasted or steamed vegetables - Quinoa or couscous - Pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs These sides complement the chicken's flavors and add variety to your meal. The best way to know if chicken is cooked is by checking the temperature. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. Always check multiple pieces to be safe. We covered the key ingredients and detailed steps to make Caprese Baked Chicken. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can also explore variations to fit your tastes, including low-carb options. Lastly, proper storage can keep your leftovers fresh. Experimenting with this dish can lead to delicious results. Enjoy your cooking journey and don't hesitate to make it your own!$

Caprese Baked Chicken

A delicious baked chicken dish topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper, then gently stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly.
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Top each chicken breast with the cherry tomato and mozzarella mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the top of the assembled chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

Serve the Caprese Baked Chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves. You can also drizzle a little more balsamic glaze over the top for an appealing shine.

Keyword baked, caprese, chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes