Name: Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491520H53M53S
Total time: PT-491520H53M53S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4 breasts); 1 teaspoon sea salt (divided); 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon oregano; 16 oz cherry tomatoes; 8 oz ball fresh mozzarella (sliced into 8 slices); Fresh ripe roma tomato (sliced, for topping); Fresh basil leaves (for serving); Balsamic glaze (for serving)

If you’re craving something that tastes like a classic Italian caprese salad but with hearty chicken as the star, the Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple, fresh, and bursts with vibrant colors and flavors that feel just like summer on a plate. Juicy chicken breasts bake alongside sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, then get a tangy balsamic glaze finish for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together with ease, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with three raw chicken pieces placed on a bed of bright red cherry tomatoes that cover the bottom layer evenly. The chicken pieces sit on top, each sprinkled with black pepper, and have a natural pinkish color with smooth texture. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of sliced white mozzarella cheese and a bunch of fresh green basil leaves nearby. A woman's hand holds the baking dish from the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward and fresh the ingredients are—each one playing a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the luscious mozzarella to the herbs and garlic, every bite is a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and tangy notes.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lb): Provides the tender, juicy protein base that soaks up all the vibrant flavors.
Sea salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of both the chicken and tomatoes.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon, divided): Adds a subtle spicy kick that complements the fresh ingredients.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps roast the tomatoes and chicken beautifully, adding silky richness.
Cherry tomatoes (16 oz): Burst with juicy sweetness to balance the savory chicken and creamy cheese.
Fresh mozzarella (8 oz ball, sliced into 8 slices): Melts into gooey, luscious pockets that elevate this dish to something truly indulgent.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) or fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a slightly pungent warmth.
Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a classic Italian herb flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
Fresh ripe roma tomato (sliced for topping): Adds a fresh, juicy layer and an appealing visual contrast.
Balsamic glaze (for serving): The perfect finishing touch with its sweet-tart punch, giving the dish complexity and zing.
Fresh basil leaves (for serving): Brings fragrant freshness and a pop of green that’s signature to caprese.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven warms up, make sure your chicken breasts are patted dry—this helps them brown nicely and soak up the seasoning.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts. Proper seasoning here is key to elevating the simple conditions into something truly flavorful.

Step 3: Toss the Tomatoes and Herbs

In a 9×13 baking dish, drizzle the olive oil over the cherry tomatoes. Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, oregano, plus the remaining salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure the tomatoes are well coated—this gives them a luscious roasted flavor when baked.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Bake

Nestle the chicken breasts into the tomato mixture, making sure some tomatoes cuddle around each piece. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the tomatoes to start becoming tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Tomato Toppings

After 20 minutes, remove the baking dish and carefully layer the chicken with fresh mozzarella slices and the optional fresh roma tomato slices. This adds creaminess and freshness that defines the caprese style.

Step 6: Final Bake and Broil

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the mozzarella melts into gooey perfection. If you want a beautifully golden and slightly bubbly cheese finish, broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.

Step 7: Serve with Balsamic Glaze and Basil

Once out of the oven, generously drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. This step adds a vibrant tang and aromatic brightness that makes this Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with a layer of small red cherry tomatoes that look roasted, topped with three thick white cheese slices each covered by a round slice of red tomato. A dark balsamic glaze is drizzled over the cheese and tomatoes. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on and around the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a few scattered cherry tomatoes and green basil leaves visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of brightly colored fresh basil leaves instantly brighten the dish, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a lovely sweet and tangy contrast. You can even sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for an upscale finish that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines with simple, complementary sides like sautéed spinach, fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or even a warm slice of crusty sourdough bread. Each choice balances the richness of the cheese and the tangy notes from the glaze perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, layer the chicken and tomato toppings on a wooden serving board surrounded by fresh basil sprigs and extra cherry tomatoes. Or, serve individual portions on colorful plates garnished with edible flowers or a light sprinkle of microgreens for that restaurant-worthy wow factor.

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 actually mingle and deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.

Freezing

If you want to keep this for longer, freeze the cooked chicken (without fresh basil and glaze) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture and richness of this Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully and add a bit more richness, but remember they may require a few extra minutes of baking to reach the proper internal temperature.

What’s the best way to make balsamic glaze at home?

Simply simmer balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrupy consistency. Add a touch of honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the fresh mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it and increase the amount of tomatoes for a lighter version.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This chicken reheats wonderfully and can be portioned with sides like rice or veggies for quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil can work in a pinch, though it won’t provide the same fresh aroma. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley also complement the dish nicely.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe, it’s going to become a go-to dinner in your rotation. It’s got that perfect harmony of fresh and savory, easy and elegant, hearty and healthy. Trust me, the burst of juicy tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fragrant basil combined with tender chicken will have you falling in love bite after bite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make a dish that feels like a special occasion every time!