Description
Caprese Chicken Bake is a simple Italian-inspired baked chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Finished with balsamic glaze, it delivers a fresh, cheesy, and savory flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, then add cherry tomatoes and cook briefly.
- Spoon tomato mixture over chicken.
- Top with mozzarella slices and sprinkle parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with basil.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Fresh mozzarella gives the best creamy texture.
- Chicken thighs can be used for juicier results.
- Add spinach or pesto for extra flavor variations.
- Letting the chicken rest helps retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
