Description
Caprese Chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner table with juicy chicken breasts, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil. Crisp baked tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze create a simple yet spectacular weeknight meal that feels like a quick trip to Italy.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Warm your sheet pan in an oven preheated to 400°F, ensuring even heat distribution for perfect cooking.
- Arrange 4 chicken breasts in a single layer, positioning them with enough space between each piece for thorough roasting.
- Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously brush the seasoned oil mixture across every surface of your chicken breasts, coating them completely with the aromatic blend.
- Scatter 2 cups cherry tomatoes and 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls around the chicken, creating a colorful and flavorful landscape on your sheet pan.
- Transfer the sheet pan into the 400°F oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, checking that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Once chicken is golden and cooked through, carefully remove the pan from the oven using sturdy oven mitts.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze over the entire dish, creating a glossy and tangy finish.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup freshly chopped basil across the top, adding a bright, herbaceous touch just before serving.
Notes
- Thinner chicken breasts cook more evenly, so consider pounding them to a uniform thickness before seasoning.
- Fresh mozzarella creates a creamier texture, but part-skim works well for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your balsamic glaze is certified gluten-free or make your own reduction.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and roasted caramelization during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Sheet-Pan
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg