Description
This vibrant Caprese Chicken recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts baked with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. Topped with fragrant basil leaves, it offers a deliciously fresh, Italian-inspired main course that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown crust.
- Add Toppings: Brush the seared chicken breasts with balsamic glaze. Then, layer each breast with 1 to 2 slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella slices.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices. Top each piece with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with additional balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, with a green salad, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For convenience, use store-bought balsamic glaze or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until thickened.
- Ensure chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking or pound them gently before seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
