This Easy Baked Caprese Chicken is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s simple and bursting with flavor!
I love how this meal looks fancy but is super easy to make. Just pop it in the oven and relax while it bakes. Perfect for impressing family or friends without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless make it easy to cook and eat. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use turkey cutlets if you prefer.
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are essential for flavor. If you can’t find them, use canned diced tomatoes instead. They won’t be as fresh, but they’ll still work!
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella can be a good substitute, but the texture might be different.
Basil: Fresh basil adds amazing flavor. If fresh isn’t available, use dried basil, but reduce the amount since dried is more concentrated. A teaspoon should be enough.
Balsamic Vinegar: Optional, but it adds a nice tang. You can also use lemon juice for a bright touch, or skip entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a good sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist when cut.
Easy Baked Caprese Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Baked Caprese Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to cook your chicken perfectly!
2. Prepare the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear well. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-proof skillet or sauté pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Assemble the Dish
If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Layer the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Scatter the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the chicken in the dish.
5. Add Fresh Basil and Balsamic
Sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken and tomatoes. Reserve some basil for garnish later. If you want a bit of tang, you can drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top as well.
6. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese to be bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Let it Rest
Once it’s done baking, take the dish out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves just before serving. Enjoy your juicy, cheesy Baked Caprese Chicken with a side of your favorite veggies or a crisp salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way is to transfer it to the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw chicken in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water for about 1-2 hours.
How Can I Make This Recipe More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can also add a splash of white wine to the pan during baking for added depth!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave or oven until warmed through. You can add a little splash of olive oil for moisture when reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
