Baked Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts
skinless and boneless, about 2.5 lbs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
divided
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
divided
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
halved
- 2 cups bocconcini
halved, mozzarella balls
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
chopped
Directions
- 1
In a large ziploc bag, combine chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Press air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the seasoning around the chicken to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to overnight in the fridge. You can also marinate in a large. mixing bowl and cover with plastic cling wrap.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- 3
Arrange marinated chicken in a 8-inch square baking pan. Add tomatoes and distribute them evenly in the pan. Bake for 20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
- 4
Remove the pan from the oven and add mozzarella balls evenly over the chicken. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the melted cheese turns golden brown. The internal temperature for the chicken should also reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer.
- 5
Meanwhile, make the balsamic glaze by adding the remaining balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan. Let it simmer for over low heat until thickened and reduced by half (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- 6
Allow the baked chicken to rest for 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the balsamic reduction on top. Garnish with basil and serve warm.
Baked Caprese Chicken
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a dish that feels gourmet yet comes together easily on a weeknight? This Baked Caprese Chicken delivers a burst of fresh, Italian-inspired flavors with tender chicken, sweet tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella.
What makes this recipe a true winner is the sheer simplicity of baking everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The cherry tomatoes gently burst in the oven, releasing their sweet juices to mingle with the savory chicken and tangy balsamic, creating an incredibly flavorful foundation.
You can expect incredibly tender and juicy chicken breasts, beautifully seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the savory chicken, the sweet and slightly tart burst cherry tomatoes, the creamy melt of bocconcini, and the fragrant freshness of chopped basil. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze ties all these vibrant components together, making for a dish that's both comforting and elegant. This is a satisfying meal that brings bright, fresh flavors to your table with minimal fuss.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. While bocconcini offers a lovely creaminess, a sliced fresh mozzarella could also be used. For a different herb profile, you could experiment with a sprinkle of fresh oregano in addition to the basil. You can also vary the amount of balsamic vinegar to suit your preference for sweetness and tang.
This Baked Caprese Chicken is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or elegant enough to serve guests. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread to soak up those delicious pan juices.