Nothing beats a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels like a special occasion without a fuss. This Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe is a delicious way to bring the vibrant, fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad right onto tender, juicy chicken breasts. With pesto tucked inside, melty mozzarella, bursting cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, you get a feast of colors and tastes in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests – a true keeper in any home cook’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, balancing fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices to create depth and harmony. The combination may be simple, but every element is essential for that signature Caprese flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing a juicy and tender base to hold all the delicious fillings and toppings.
- 3 tablespoons pesto: Adds rich, herby goodness inside the chicken that bursts with basil and garlic flavors.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors in the chicken and toppings.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the Italian-inspired profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Plays nicely with the garlic powder to deepen the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: A mild heat that balances the creaminess of mozzarella.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a delicate herbal aroma that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown before baking.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they soften in the oven and lend bursts of freshness.
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls: Creamy, melty cheese that oozes indulgence.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze: Adds tangy sweetness and a shiny finish, tying all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Bright, fragrant, and fresh, perfect for garnishing and enhancing the Caprese essence.
How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready to bake the chicken to juicy perfection as soon as everything is prepped and seared.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts flat and carefully cut a slit along the side, about three-quarters through but not all the way. This pocket is where the pesto will be nestled, transforming the inside of the chicken with rich flavor.
Step 3: Add the Pesto
Spoon your pesto evenly inside the slit you made in each chicken breast. Spread it all the way to the edges to make sure every bite has a hint of herby, garlicky goodness hiding within.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Now, it’s time to season the outside of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and thyme. This mélange of spices builds a lovely crust when seared, enhancing every bite’s flavor.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden crust that locks juices inside.
Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Mozzarella
After searing, scatter the cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls around the chicken in the skillet. These will roast alongside the chicken, softening and melting into a luscious complement.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet directly to the oven and bake for 12 to 13 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part to ensure safe, juicy chicken.
Step 8: Finish with Balsamic and Basil
Once out of the oven, drizzle each chicken breast with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. This finishing touch adds brightness, a hint of sweetness, and a fresh herbal aroma that is iconic in Caprese-inspired dishes.
How to Serve Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze are more than just decorative—they elevate the dish with invigorating color and bursts of flavor that highlight the Caprese theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
This baked Caprese chicken pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp mixed green salad, garlic roasted asparagus, or fluffy quinoa. Each option complements the dish without overpowering its fresh and cheesy profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside buttered pasta for a comforting, Italian-inspired meal. You can also skewer cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls on toothpicks as a playful appetizer inspired by the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked Caprese chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal or quick lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave, covering with foil if using the oven to maintain moisture. Adding a few fresh basil leaves after reheating brings back the bright freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust baking time slightly, as they can take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What if I don’t have pesto on hand?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by blending fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese or simply spread a thin layer of basil pesto sauce if you have it pre-made.
Can I prepare this dish without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer the chicken and tomatoes to a baking dish for the oven step. Just make sure to preheat your baking dish to avoid temperature shock.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Of course! Swap out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. The pesto and balsamic glaze still bring plenty of flavor without the dairy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast and look for a reading of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious, you simply must try this Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe. The harmony of fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be on your regular dinner rotation before you know it!
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Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Caprese Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with flavorful pesto, seasoned with aromatic herbs, and topped with fresh mozzarella and juicy cherry tomatoes. Finished with a balsamic glaze and fresh basil, it’s a delicious, healthy meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Chicken: Lay each chicken breast flat and carefully cut a slit through the side about three-quarters of the way through, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff with Pesto: Spoon the pesto evenly inside the pocket of each chicken breast, spreading it to the edges. Then close the chicken breasts to encase the pesto.
- Season Chicken: Season the outside of each chicken breast evenly with kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add Toppings: Place the cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls around and on top of the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each chicken breast reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the chicken with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it with toppings to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- The balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish but can be omitted or replaced with balsamic vinegar reduction if preferred.
- Feel free to substitute pesto with marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
