Description
Baked Caprese Chicken is a delicious and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This low-carb, gluten-free recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that combines classic Caprese flavors with hearty chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over them, then season evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sprinkle minced garlic on top to infuse flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered for 20–25 minutes until it is almost fully cooked through but not overdone.
- Add Toppings: Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully place slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella on each breast.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the baked chicken and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 2 hours before baking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple green salad.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and melt.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
