Ground Chicken Caprese Recipe

Say hello to the easiest weeknight dinner that tastes like a trip to the Italian countryside! This Ground Chicken Caprese recipe layers juicy ground chicken, sweet-tart cherry tomatoes, gooey mozzarella pearls, and a kiss of balsamic for a meal that comes together in just 15 minutes—and bursts with classic Caprese flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Chicken Caprese comes together with just a few fridge and pantry staples, but each one truly shines. Every ingredient brings its own charm—think creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and a pop of herby goodness—so don’t skimp on the details!

• Olive oil: Provides a luscious base for sautéing, bringing out the sweetness in the onions and garlic.
• Diced onion: Adds gentle sweetness and savory depth to every bite.
• Chopped garlic: That fragrant kick of flavor you expect in any great Italian-inspired dish.
• Ground chicken: Light yet protein-packed, it soaks up those Mediterranean flavors like a charm.
• Kosher salt, dried oregano, basil & parsley: A power quartet that seasons every layer with Italian flair.
• Tomato sauce or marinara: For a saucy, slightly tangy tomato backdrop.
• Balsamic vinegar: A splash goes a long way for signature Caprese tang and subtle sweetness!
• Mozzarella pearls: These tiny cheese balls melt beautifully, delivering creamy “pools” in every scoop.
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst with fresh flavor and color, especially after quick roasting!
• Fresh chopped basil, balsamic glaze & parmesan: Sprinkle and drizzle to finish for big, bold Italian aromatics and extra savoriness.

Variations

The best thing about Ground Chicken Caprese? You can truly make it your own! Consider these easy swaps and substitutions to tailor it for your pantry, your cravings, or your dietary goals—there are no rules, just flavor.

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based crumbles if you want a vegetarian twist.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a handful of chopped Calabrian chilies for a zesty kick.
• Dial up the veggies: Toss in baby spinach, diced zucchini, or roasted eggplant for a colorful, nutrient-packed version.
• Vegan-ize it: Use vegan mozzarella and skip the parmesan—still so delicious and satisfying!
• Low-carb option: Serve over roasted cauliflower rice instead of pasta if you’re cutting carbs.

How to Make Ground Chicken Caprese

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to a blazing-hot 500°F—it’s what gives the tomatoes that irresistible, blistered finish. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium and gently cook the diced onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft, translucent, and sweet. Add the chopped garlic and cook just a minute more, breathing in all those fragrant aromas!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken

Slide the ground chicken into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s completely browned and cooked through, with no pink spots remaining. If your chicken releases a lot of moisture, drain off the excess so your final dish isn’t watery.

Step 3: Season and Sauce

Sprinkle in the salt, dried oregano, basil, and parsley, giving everything a good toss so every morsel soaks up that herby goodness. Pour in the tomato sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar, then stir until the chicken is evenly coated in flavorful sauce. Let it bubble for a minute just to let those flavors come together.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Tomatoes, Then Bake

Scatter the mozzarella pearls and halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the top—no need to be fussy, rustic works best here! Carefully transfer the skillet to your hot oven and bake for 7–8 minutes. The cheese will melt into dreamy puddles and the tomatoes will blister, softening and concentrating their flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

When it emerges from the oven, shower the skillet with a handful of chopped fresh basil, a generous grating of parmesan, and a drizzle of sticky-sweet balsamic glaze. The contrast of fresh and creamy, tangy and sweet, makes every bite sing.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Caprese

Garnishes

This recipe is truly all about the finishing touches: a shower of fresh basil brightens every forkful, grated parmesan adds savory depth, and a little swirl of balsamic glaze brings just the right amount of sweet-tangy drama. You can even add cracked black pepper or a few extra torn basil leaves for an extra punch.

Side Dishes

Serve Ground Chicken Caprese over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even your favorite short pasta for a hearty meal. Keep it lighter with a simple arugula salad, quickly sautéed spinach, or some grilled crusty bread to mop up that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, spoon Ground Chicken Caprese into individual ramekins and broil for an extra golden, bubbly top. Or pile it into toasted ciabatta rolls for easy Caprese chicken sandwiches—perfect picnic food! It’s even gorgeous mounded onto a platter surrounded by more fresh basil and extra cherry tomatoes for a family-style showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Chicken Caprese keeps perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers even more delicious the next day! Just be sure to store garnishes like fresh basil separately for best taste and color.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked ground chicken mixture (without the fresh basil and mozzarella), letting it cool fully before storing in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and finish with cheese and tomatoes under the broiler or oven for that same fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers into a skillet over medium heat or a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely—add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if needed to loosen things up. For that signature gooey cheese and juicy tomato finish, warm in a 400°F oven until hot and the cheese is bubbling again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love the bright flavors of Caprese and crave an easy, satisfying dinner that’s a little bit special, you owe it to yourself to make this Ground Chicken Caprese. I can’t wait for you to taste those melty cheese pools and juicy tomatoes—please, let this become your new weeknight favorite!

Print