Baked Chicken Caprese Recipe
This Baked Chicken Caprese is a delicious and healthy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful balsamic pesto sauce that balances sweet and savory notes, then baked and broiled to perfection for a cheesy golden finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices fresh mozzarella)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Flatten Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a small frying pan, gently pound the thickest parts of the chicken until all breasts are an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Arrange Chicken: Lay the flattened chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil pesto, honey, corn starch, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat Chicken and Add Tomatoes: Drizzle the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken breasts. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked. Baking time may vary based on thickness.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Top each chicken breast with the shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. Increase the oven temperature to broil and return the dish to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts and begins to bubble and slightly brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the baked chicken and cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately for a warm, fresh Italian meal.
Notes
- Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- If you prefer, substitute low sodium chicken broth with water to reduce sodium further.
- The honey in the marinade adds a mild sweetness that complements the balsamic vinegar.
- Use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamier texture or shredded mozzarella for quicker melting.
- For a gluten-free option, confirm that the basil pesto and cornstarch are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/baked-chicken-caprese-recipe/
