Description
This Baked Caprese Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic and Italian herb mixture, then baked with cherry tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously fresh and flavorful meal inspired by the classic Caprese salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sliced basil (plus more to serve)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 pint)
- 4 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a 7×11 inch baking dish, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sliced basil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning several times to coat thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prep for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and uncover the dish. If you prefer a less saucy result, discard half of the marinade. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the baking dish, stirring gently to coat them in the marinade, then arrange the tomatoes around and underneath the chicken breasts.
- Bake chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it is nearly cooked through. The exact baking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temp) is recommended.
- Add mozzarella and finish baking: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven using oven mitts. Evenly distribute the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful balsamic juices.
Notes
- For a more intense balsamic flavor, use reduced balsamic vinegar or simmer the marinade to thicken before adding chicken.
- If brown sugar is not available, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, keeping the sweetness balance.
- Discarding half of the marinade before baking helps prevent the sauce from becoming too runny.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken breasts are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Fresh basil added just before serving enhances the dish’s aroma and traditional Caprese flavor.
