Baked Chicken Caprese is a fresh, flavorful dinner idea! If you're looking for a healthy, high-protein, family-friendly meal that's easy to prep and bursting with flavor? Well, look no further, here it is!
This baked chicken caprese was super moist and a winner in my home! Juicy baked chicken breasts, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese come together in one dish that looks both elegant and it's weeknight friendly!
This wholesome spin on the classic Italian dish is gluten-free, low-carb, and meal-prep friendly, making it perfect for clean eating and balanced living.
If you're looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas, then you need to try my Air Fryer Turkey Burgers and my Easy Crispy Panko Chicken!
Table of contents
What is Chicken Caprese?
This meal was inspired by my previous post, Caprese Pasta Salad, which features fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella. Chicken Caprese takes those same flavors and pairs them with some lean protein, and when you bake this meal, the chicken comes out tender, juicy, and layered with melted mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Healthy comfort food at its best!
Ingredients for easy chicken caprese
Here are all the ingredients needed to make this healthy Chicken Caprese recipe. All quantities are in the recipe card below.
- chicken breasts - fat trimmed off and pounded to even 1-inch thickness.
- Italian seasoning - a blend of dry herbs that usually includes oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
- garlic powder - enhances the flavor of the dish by providing a subtle yet distinct garlic taste.
- onion powder - also enhances the profile of the meal, providing a deeper, more savory element to the dish.
- extra-virgin-olive-oil - used for searing the chicken before baking to give it a crispy outside. Using extra virgin adds a subtle, pleasant flavor but is a healthier alternative to other cooking oils.
- fresh mozzarella - sliced into even pieces or shredded.
- vine-ripened tomatoes - sliced into ½ inch slices, the thinner you can slice them, I believe is better for the overall dish.
- fresh basil - to taste
- balsamic vinegar - glaze or aged. This balsamic vinegar is the best I've ever had, and I strongly recommend giving it a go. Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar imported from Italy with Pourer
How to make easy chicken caprese
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 375 °F. Place chicken between 2 pieces of saran wrap and pound it with a meat mallet. Pound it until it is 1 inch thick. Set aside and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 2 - Next, combine Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the oil onto the chicken and brush it onto the chicken to coat.
Step 3 - Pour your seasoning onto the chicken and coat evenly.
Step 4 - Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place chicken pieces onto the heated skillet and cook until a light sear is on each side. About 2-3 minutes on each side. Don't crowd the pan. This step might have to be done a couple of times, depending on how big your skillet is.
Step 5 - Place chicken on a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 6 - Remove from oven and top each piece of chicken with cheese, then tomatoes, thinly sliced. Place back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 7 - Remove from the oven and plate your chicken. Top with fresh basil and drizzle it with your balsamic vinegar.
Substitutions and Variations
EVOO - You can use oils in place of extra-virgin that also have a high smoke point. Peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even refined coconut oil can all withstand the high heat.
Tips and FAQ's
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes! Use a dairy-free mozzarella cheese or skip the cheese and add extra balsamic glaze.
Yes, you can. Chicken thighs will be slightly juicier, but also may need 5-10 more minutes of baking.
More Easy Chicken recipes you will also LOVE
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! I always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Baked Chicken Caprese
Equipment
- baking trays
- meat mallet
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken breast fat trimmed off and pounded to 1-inch thickness
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced evenly into pieces or shredded
- 2 vine ripened tomatoes sliced into ½ inch slices
- fresh basil to taste
- aged balsamic vinegar for drizzling on top
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken between 2 pieces of Saran Wrap and pound it with a meat mallet. Pound it until it is 1 inch thick. Set aside and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Step 2 - Next, combine Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the oil onto the chicken and brush it onto the chicken to coat.
- Step 3 - Sprinkle your seasoning onto the chicken and coat evenly.
- Step 4 - Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place chicken pieces onto the heated skillet and cook until a light sear is on each side. About 2-3 minutes on each side. Don't crowd the pan. This step might have to be done a couple of times, depending on how big your skillet is.
- Step 5 - Place chicken on a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 6 - Remove from oven and top each piece of chicken with cheese, then tomatoes, thinly sliced. Place back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Step 7 - Remove from the oven and plate your chicken. Top with fresh basil and drizzle it with your balsamic vinegar.
Notes
- Mix the seasonings!
- Beat the chicken with the meat mallet.
- Sprinkle the cheese and sliced tomatoes on top.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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