Description
Caprese chicken casserole brings fresh summer flavors straight to your dinner table with layers of juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. Creamy, herbaceous, and simple to prepare, this comforting dish delivers classic Italian-inspired goodness that makes weeknight meals feel special.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound cooked chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Produce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F and coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine 1 pound shredded chicken, ¼ cup basil pesto, 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Distribute 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes across the chicken surface.
- Scatter 8 ounces chopped fresh mozzarella over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 20-22 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Fresh basil pesto makes a huge difference, so grab the best quality you can find or make your own for maximum flavor.
- Replace chicken with white beans or tofu to create a vegetarian version that still packs tons of Mediterranean-inspired taste.
- For a lighter casserole, swap mayo with Greek yogurt and use part-skim mozzarella to reduce overall calories.
- Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier without losing the delicious melty texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 571 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg