Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Say hello to your new weeknight obsession: Baked Caprese Chicken! This vibrant and juicy dish brings together tender chicken breasts, gooey mozzarella, sweet-tart tomatoes, and a glossy balsamic glaze for a dinner that feels both cozy and a little bit fancy—perfect for impressing guests or delighting the family on a busy evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how you only need a handful of kitchen staples and a burst of fresh produce to make Baked Caprese Chicken. Every ingredient here brings something to the table—depth, comfort, melty goodness, and irresistible color!

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The blank canvas for all the Caprese flavors—choose evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides that signature tangy-sweet note and creates a rich glaze.
• Honey: Balances the acidity and helps create a glossy finish on the chicken.
• Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatics; fresh garlic really makes a difference here!
• Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and brings a bit of peppery warmth.
• Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs that tie every ingredient together and add that unmistakable Italian vibe.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t overlook these classics—they make every flavor pop.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juiciness and sweetness as they roast alongside the chicken.
• Large Tomatoes (sliced): Layered on top for extra juicy texture and classic Caprese appeal.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (slices): Melts lusciously into the chicken for that real-deal Caprese experience.
• Chopped Fresh Basil: The final garnish! It brings an unbelievably fresh, fragrant finish you just can’t fake.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Baked Caprese Chicken is how flexible it is. Once you’ve fallen in love with the base recipe, try tweaking it for your taste, your pantry, and your dietary needs—this dish is endlessly adaptable!

• Swap the Cheese: Try provolone or burrata instead of mozzarella for a twist (or go dairy-free to suit vegan diets).
• Add Greens: Baby spinach or arugula tucked under the tomatoes wilts beautifully and adds a peppery punch.
• Change the Protein: You can substitute boneless pork chops or even thick white fish fillets for the chicken—just adjust the baking time.
• Go Gluten-Free: It’s naturally gluten-free, but double-check those seasonings and balsamic labels if you’re cooking for a sensitive eater.

How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to guarantee everything cooks evenly. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and nestle your chicken breasts inside. If they’re extra thick, use a meat mallet (or the bottom of a sturdy mug) to gently pound them to an even thickness—this keeps every bite tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour every last drop over the chicken in your baking dish—this marinade is liquid gold! Add the cherry tomatoes to the sides for a burst of sweetness as they roast.

Step 3: Top with Tomato Slices

Lay the thick slices of large tomato right on top of each chicken breast. This keeps the chicken extra moist and infuses it with garden-fresh flavor—and it looks gorgeous coming out of the oven!

Step 4: Bake, Then Add Mozzarella

Pop everything in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly done (internal temperature should hit 160°F). Now’s the best part: drape a slice of fresh mozzarella over each chicken breast and return the pan to the oven for 5 more minutes just until the cheese is bubbling and melty.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with plenty of chopped fresh basil, and if you’re feeling extra, spoon some of that glossy balsamic-tomato pan sauce right over the top. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty for the best Caprese experience!

How to Serve Baked Caprese Chicken

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish, scatter plenty of freshly chopped basil over the cheesy chicken just before serving. A drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil or aged balsamic reduction never hurts either—it adds an extra glossy finish and a pop of fresh flavor!

Side Dishes

Baked Caprese Chicken is fabulous alongside a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes, a mound of buttery orzo, or even a simple bed of arugula for a lighter touch. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty Italian bread is ideal for sopping up all that luscious pan sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve Baked Caprese Chicken over a vibrant pesto pasta, or slice it and layer over crostini for a stunning appetizer. Stack the elements high on individual plates for a dinner party, or go rustic and serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for maximum drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Caprese Chicken keeps beautifully! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors melt together even more by the next day, making lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly and tuck into a freezer-safe container. For best quality, enjoy within a month. Be aware that the cheese may change texture a bit, but the flavor will stay delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15 minutes). You can also microwave briefly—just watch that the cheese doesn’t overcook. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze or fresh basil before serving to refresh those flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that truly feels like a treat but is simple enough for any night, Baked Caprese Chicken is your answer. Give it a try—you’ll love how cozy, fresh, and downright irresistible this dish is. I just know it’ll become a favorite at your table, too!

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