Caprese Chicken
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Caprese chicken combines classic ingredients like ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, & basil with moist chicken and pesto for the perfect dinner.
This easy chicken caprese recipe is full of delicious Italian inspired flavors! Serve it with other favorites like spaghetti carbonara, toasted ravioli, and our classic antipasto platter.
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Caprese Chicken
Caprese Chicken
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Why you’ll love this easy chicken dinner!
📌 Only a few simple ingredients but absolutely bursting with flavor.
📌 Easy to adjust to make as a dinner for two or dinner for a crowd.
📌 Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Caprese Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken – Pictured is chicken breasts, but this can also be made with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Oil – Olive oil, or other preferred vegetable oil.
- Seasonings – Salt and pepper.
- Toppings – Pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes, balsamic reduction.
- Garnish – Fresh shredded basil.
How do you make chicken caprese? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet and add the chicken breasts. Brown chicken on both sides and remove from heat.
⭐ Next, spread about pesto over each chicken breast and cook in a preheated oven until the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
⭐ Then, remove the skillet from the oven and add two slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each breast, then two slices of tomato each, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
⭐ Finally, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the chicken and sprinkle with the chopped or torn fresh basil.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
What is caprese chicken made of?
This recipe is inspired by a classic caprese salad and includes mozzarella cheese balsamic reduction, basil, salt, pepper, and fresh tomato. In addition to the salad ingredients, we include chicken breast and pesto.
How do I keep my chicken from drying out?
Using a digital meat thermometer is the key to making perfect chicken every time. You want to make sure you pull the chicken out as soon as it hits 165F.
Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after it’s done cooking before cutting into it.
Do I need to sear the chicken?
Searing the chicken adds an extra level of delicious flavor but if you don’t have the time to sear, or don’t have a skillet that can go from the stove top to the oven, that’s okay!
You can skip the searing step do the whole thing in the oven. Add the pesto right away (to the uncooked chicken), or wait about 10 minutes into the cook time and add it then, if you prefer.
Storage and leftovers
How long does baked chicken caprese last?
Store leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days.
Can you make chicken caprese ahead of time?
This dish is best when cooked and eaten right away. If you’d like to do any prep, go ahead and slice your tomatoes, slice your mozzarella, and chop your basil. Store pre-cut ingredients separately in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze caprese chicken?
We do not recommend freezing this recipe. That said, you can make your chicken ahead (we love this perfect baked chicken recipe) and freeze the individual chicken breasts.
When you’re ready to make the meal, thaw your pre-cooked chicken, and toss it in the oven with the other ingredients until warmed through and cheese is melted and bubbly!
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
✅ Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
✅ Go vegetarian by swapping the chicken for portobello mushrooms.
✅ Make it with chicken thighs or even pork chops!
What to eat with this chicken caprese recipe? (serving suggestions)
Try this yummy dinner with a side of fruit salad, creamed spinach, or bacon wrapped asparagus. For dessert we love these no bake monster cookie bars, or this crockpot chocolate chip cookie!
More caprese inspired recipes
Other delicious chicken dishes
- White chicken enchiladas
- Chicken pot pie
- Chicken alfredo
- Chicken parmesan recipe
- Chicken fajita casserole
- See all our great chicken recipes
Try these awesome skillet recipes next
- Chicken alfredo
- Lemon pasta recipe
- Cheeseburger quesadillas
- Tuna patties
- Spaghetti carbonara
- Fried cabbage
Tools we love
- Enameled cast iron – Perfect for making delicious caramelized vegetables!
- Santoku knife – My favorite knife for cutting vegetables! This knife is the perfect size and shape, handles great, and is super reasonably priced. Also, I just love that it’s fun and colorful!
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How to Make Caprese Chicken
Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt & pepper
- 4 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into 8 slices
- 2 large tomatoes cut into 8 slices
- balsamic reduction
- fresh basil torn or chopped
Instructions
- Liberally season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in an oven safe skillet, and add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken until seared brown, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of pesto over each chicken breast and place skillet in a preheated 400℉ oven for about 15 minutes, until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and add two slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each breast, then two slices of tomato each.
- Place skillet on the center rack of the oven, and turn oven to broil. Watch closely, and remove when cheese is melted and bubbly (about 2 - 3 minutes).
- If your skillet is not broiler safe, just return the skillet to the 400℉ oven and cook an additional 5 - 7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the chicken and sprinkle with the fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
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I love a good caprese salad so this is the next best thing! I cannot thank you enough for sharing this recipe
This is one of mt favorite meals!! Love caprese anything!! There is so much flavor!