Description
Easy Caprese Chicken is a simple oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a balsamic-tomato mixture, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for a fresh Italian-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small bunch fresh basil, leaves picked and thinly sliced (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- In a broiler-safe 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the minced garlic, grape or cherry tomatoes, olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: working one at a time, place each breast in a large resealable bag and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season all over with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the baking dish, turning them to coat completely with the balsamic-tomato mixture. Arrange the chicken and tomatoes in an even layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.
- Switch your oven to broiler setting. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the mozzarella is melted and lightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired, and garnish with the fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Watch the dish closely under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.