Easy Caprese Chicken Bake

Cooking can often feel like a race against time, especially on busy weeknights or during special occasions when entertaining guests. The search for delicious, quick, and easy-to-make recipes becomes a priority for many home cooks. Enter the Caprese Chicken Bake Delight—a dish that beautifully marries the vibrant flavors of Italy with the convenience of a one-pan meal. This delightful recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, making it a standout choice for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

Discover the delightful Caprese Chicken Bake, a one-pan wonder that combines classic Italian flavors with the ease of weeknight cooking. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this visually appealing dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy a culinary journey that brings the essence of Italy right to your table.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and the dried oregano and basil (if using).

Sear the chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. They do not need to be cooked through at this point.

Add garlic and tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and half of the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, spreading them around the chicken.

Layer with cheese: Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, then add the remaining cherry tomatoes on top.

Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Add fresh basil: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top.

Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings