Easy Cheesy Caprese Chicken Bake
A quick and easy baked chicken dish featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with a comforting, cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 15 g)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to finish
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss gently to coat all sides evenly.
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour any leftover oil and seasoning over the chicken.
- Place sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over each chicken breast. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken, pressing them down gently.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top. Drizzle balsamic glaze generously and add a final crack of black pepper.
- Serve warm, best enjoyed right out of the oven.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better flavor and texture. Use fresh mozzarella sliced yourself for best melt quality. Add basil and balsamic glaze after baking to keep flavors fresh. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Homemade balsamic glaze can be made by simmering 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar until syrupy (10-12 minutes).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
Keywords: chicken bake, caprese chicken, cheesy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, baked chicken, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze