Description
This Chicken Caprese features juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of flavors that can be enjoyed with crusty bread, salad, or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and stir. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some tomatoes over the top.
- Place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the mozzarella is melted.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Serve each chicken breast with some tomato mixture on top.
- Optionally, drizzle balsamic glaze over the dish.
- Garnish with additional basil if desired and serve with crusty bread, salad, or pasta.
Notes
- For even cooking, use chicken breasts of uniform thickness.
- Fresh mozzarella and basil enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes