Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe | Juicy, Cheesy & Delicious

I have to tell you, the first time I made baked Caprese chicken Recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The juicy chicken combined with sweet, roasted tomatoes and melty mozzarella made my dinner table feel like an Italian trattoria. I love how this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Every bite bursts with freshness and comfort. Honestly, it quickly became one of my favorite weeknight meals. If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also like the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe for another cozy dinner option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful baked Caprese chicken. Each ingredient adds its own special touch to the dish.

• 3-4 large chicken breasts (or 5-6 thinly sliced) – thin breasts cook evenly and hold more topping.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – keeps the chicken moist and juicy while baking.
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil – adds a subtle, aromatic Italian flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano – classic herb pairing for a Caprese dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – gives a savory depth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors naturally.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – balances the sweetness of tomatoes and cheese.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes, such as Campari or grape, halved or quartered – roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
• 1/3 cup diced red onion – adds mild sharpness and texture.
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – sweet and tangy, perfect for roasting.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – helps caramelize the tomatoes.
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese or 4–8 slices – melts beautifully over chicken.

Note: Several servings

Variations

This baked Caprese chicken is versatile, and you can easily tweak it:

• Use dairy-free mozzarella to make it lactose-free.
• Add fresh basil leaves after baking for extra herbal freshness.
• Swap brown sugar for honey if you prefer a natural sweetener.
• Top with avocado slices or a drizzle of pesto for added flavor. You could also enjoy a hearty meal like Blackened Fish and Cheese Grits for a seafood twist on comfort food.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknights:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I use to make this dish hassle-free:

• 12-inch cast iron skillet – evenly cooks chicken and allows broiling.
• Oven – for baking and broiling the chicken and cheese.
• Knife and cutting board – for slicing tomatoes and onions.
• Measuring spoons and cups – ensures perfect seasoning.

How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken

Prepare the Chicken

I start by drizzling olive oil over the chicken and rubbing it with garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Season generously to make sure every bite is flavorful.

Roast the Tomatoes

Next, I toss the halved tomatoes and diced red onion with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Then, I spread them around the chicken so they roast together.

Bake the Chicken

Place the chicken and tomatoes in the oven at a high temperature to seal in juices. Bake for about 20–23 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until cooked through.

Add the Cheese

Once the chicken is baked, I sprinkle mozzarella over each piece and switch the oven to broil for 5 minutes. The cheese melts and gets slightly golden and bubbly.

Serve

Finally, I drizzle any leftover balsamic juices over the chicken and tomatoes. The dish looks gorgeous and smells irresistible.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, these tweaks make it even more amazing:

• I always use fresh mozzarella when I want a creamy, melty texture.
• Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking keeps it juicy.
• Roasting the tomatoes in balsamic makes them sweeter and enhances the flavor.
• I like to broil on the top rack to get that perfect golden cheese.

How to Serve Baked Caprese Chicken

This dish shines when presented beautifully. Serve it on a white platter with fresh basil leaves for color. Pair it with angel hair pasta or a light side salad. Drizzle extra balsamic over the top for a professional touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what each serving roughly provides:

• Calories: 350–400 per serving
• Protein: 35g – a great source of lean protein
• Carbohydrates: 12g – mostly from tomatoes and balsamic glaze
• Fat: 18g – healthy fats from olive oil and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can store leftover baked Caprese chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each chicken breast individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the chicken juicy and cheese melty, instead of using a microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons I keep coming back to this dish:

• Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep.
• Flavor-packed – sweet roasted tomatoes, tangy balsamic, and melty mozzarella.
• Versatile – serve with pasta, salad, or veggies.
• Customizable – easily adapt for dietary preferences or add extra toppings.
• Impressive – looks like a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to wow guests. Every time I make it, the combination of roasted tomatoes, herbs, and cheese never fails to impress.

Ben Carraoli

Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

I have to tell you, the first time I made baked Caprese chicken, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The juicy chicken combined with sweet, roasted tomatoes and melty mozzarella made my dinner table feel like an Italian trattoria.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 large chicken breasts or 5-6 thinly sliced – thin breasts cook evenly and hold more topping.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – keeps the chicken moist and juicy while baking.
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil – adds a subtle aromatic Italian flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano – classic herb pairing for a Caprese dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – gives a savory depth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors naturally.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – balances the sweetness of tomatoes and cheese.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes such as Campari or grape, halved or quartered – roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
• 1/3 cup diced red onion – adds mild sharpness and texture.
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – sweet and tangy perfect for roasting.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – helps caramelize the tomatoes.
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese or 4–8 slices – melts beautifully over chicken.

Method

 

1. I start by drizzling olive oil over the chicken and rubbing it with garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Season generously to make sure every bite is flavorful.
2. Next, I toss the halved tomatoes and diced red onion with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Then, I spread them around the chicken so they roast together.
3. Place the chicken and tomatoes in the oven at a high temperature to seal in juices. Bake for about 20–23 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is baked, I sprinkle mozzarella over each piece and switch the oven to broil for 5 minutes. The cheese melts and gets slightly golden and bubbly.
5. Finally, I drizzle any leftover balsamic juices over the chicken and tomatoes. The dish looks gorgeous and smells irresistible.

Notes

• I always use fresh mozzarella when I want a creamy, melty texture.
• Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking keeps it juicy.
• Roasting the tomatoes in balsamic makes them sweeter and enhances the flavor.
• I like to broil on the top rack to get that perfect golden cheese.