One-Pan Caprese Baked Chicken

If you love fresh, vibrant flavors and easy dinners, this One-Pan Caprese Baked Chicken is calling your name! Juicy chicken breasts are baked with melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful, delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour — perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Fresh and Healthy – Full of wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Quick and Easy – Simple prep and cooking in under 45 minutes.
Family-Friendly – Mild, cheesy, and packed with juicy goodness.
Restaurant-Quality – Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

For the Balsamic Glaze:

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra basil leaves
• Cracked black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for color)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Rub each piece with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (they don’t need to be cooked through).
Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and a few tomato slices.
Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze
While the chicken is baking, add the balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Finish the Dish
Remove the chicken from the oven.
Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle generously with the balsamic glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with extra basil, cracked black pepper, and your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Caprese Baked Chicken
Sear for Flavor – Searing locks in juices and adds delicious caramelization.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil really shine in this dish.
Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer to keep the chicken perfectly juicy.
Make Extra Glaze – The balsamic drizzle is so good, you’ll want extra for dipping or drizzling on sides.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the juices.
Light Pasta – Serve over angel hair tossed in olive oil and herbs.
Simple Green Salad – A crisp salad balances the rich flavors beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, green beans, or zucchini.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the cooked chicken without the tomatoes and basil for up to 2 months.
• Add fresh toppings and glaze after reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat gently in 30-second intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will work — adjust cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
2. What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
   You can use a store-bought balsamic glaze or substitute with a light drizzle of lemon juice for brightness.
3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Definitely! Sear and season the chicken, then refrigerate. Add toppings and bake when ready to serve.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Sure! Skip the mozzarella and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
5. What tomatoes work best?
   Use firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or heirloom varieties for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Caprese Baked Chicken is fresh, flavorful, and just downright beautiful. It’s a simple meal that feels special, combining juicy chicken with melty cheese, ripe tomatoes, and a luscious balsamic drizzle. Perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends when you want something healthy and satisfying.

Try it and let us know how you love it! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 460mg

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