Recipes › Appetizer › Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Baked Caprese Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with the fresh Italian flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. This elegant yet simple dish showcases the classic Caprese combination in a warm, comforting format that's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The juices from the tomatoes and melted cheese create a light pan sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 200g each)
• 2 large ripe tomatoes (about 400g), sliced into 8mm rounds
• 250g fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8mm rounds
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sea salt
• ½ teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2g) dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
• 30g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and oregano.

2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 200°C (400°F) oven.

Substitutions

• Use mozzarella di bufala instead of fresh mozzarella for a richer, more authentic flavor.
• Substitute cherry tomatoes halved for fresh sliced tomatoes if large ripe tomatoes are unavailable.
• Replace fresh basil with 1 teaspoon dried basil if fresh is not available, though fresh is strongly preferred.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful, juicier result.

Tips

• Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices on top of the chicken after searing to ensure even melting and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
• Use room-temperature mozzarella slices so they melt evenly without curdling under the heat.
• Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the finished dish just before serving for brightness and authentic Caprese flavor.
• Don't skip the searing step—it develops a flavorful crust that adds depth to the final dish.

Caprese, from the island of Capri in Campania, Italy, is a celebrated summer dish featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This baked chicken variation honors the traditional insalata Caprese while creating a warm, substantial main course suitable for Italian family-style dining.

You might also like

Baked Caprese Salad Recipe

40 min · Appetizer

Baked Clams Oreganata Recipe

27 min · Appetizer

Baked Ricotta Appetizer Recipe

40 min · Appetizer

Baked Ricotta with Herbs Recipe

40 min · Appetizer