Baked Caprese Chicken – Fresh & Flavorful Dinner

Baked Caprese Chicken is a quick and tasty dinner recipe. It combines juicy chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This Italian-inspired dish is ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to a simple balsamic sauce and roasted cherry tomatoes.

The recipe offers a perfect mix of flavors. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy touch, balancing the sweetness of tomatoes, the herbiness of basil, and the savory mozzarella cheese.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Caprese Chicken

To make the perfect Baked Caprese Chicken, you need a few key ingredients. At the center are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and protein-rich. Alongside, you’ll find fresh mozzarella cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy balsamic vinegar.

For that Caprese taste, add olive oil, basil pesto, and fresh basil leaves. The pesto brings a herby flavor, while the balsamic vinegar and honey make a sweet-tangy glaze. This glaze caramelizes beautifully as the dish bakes.

Want a dairy-free option? Swap fresh mozzarella with shredded dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. If cherry tomatoes are hard to find, use diced larger tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes instead.

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	3-4
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese	8 oz
Cherry Tomatoes	2 cups
Balsamic Vinegar	1/3 cup
Olive Oil	2 tbsp
Basil Pesto	1/4 cup
Honey	2 tbsp
Fresh Basil Leaves	1/4 cup

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty and beautiful Baked Caprese Chicken. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.

Kitchen Tools and Preparation Tips

To make the perfect baked Caprese chicken, you need some key tools and prep steps. Let’s explore how to make your dish delicious and like it’s from a restaurant.

Required Equipment

You’ll need a 9×13″ baking dish, plastic wrap, a rolling pin or meat mallet, and a kitchen thermometer. The baking dish holds your chicken and ingredients. Plastic wrap tenderizes the meat. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the chicken evenly. And, a kitchen thermometer is vital for cooking the chicken to 165°F (74°C).

Prep Work Essentials

Before cooking, prepare your ingredients well. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness. This makes the meat tender and cooks evenly. Then, remove excess fat to avoid greasiness. Lastly, mix your balsamic sauce ingredients.

Temperature Guidelines

Controlling temperature is key for baking Caprese chicken. Heat your oven to 425°F (218°C) for a crispy exterior. The chicken is done at 165°F (74°C), as checked with your kitchen thermometer. Don’t overcook, as it can make the meat dry.

“The key to a perfect baked Caprese chicken is preparation. Taking the time to pound the chicken, trim the fat, and monitor the temperature ensures a juicy, flavorful dish every time.”

Step-by-Step Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Making a tasty Baked Caprese Chicken is easy. Just follow these steps to make a dish that’s great for any meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or casserole pan.
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1 1/2 inches, to ensure they cook evenly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the balsamic sauce.
4. Place the prepared chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and drizzle the balsamic sauce over the top, making sure to coat the chicken completely.
5. Arrange the halved cherry or grape tomatoes around the chicken, nestling them between the pieces.
6. Bake the Caprese Chicken for 15-23 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the dish from the oven and top the chicken with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
8. Return the dish to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Lastly, garnish the Baked Caprese Chicken with fresh basil leaves before serving.

This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on the chicken’s thickness. Serve it hot, with any leftover balsamic sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition Table

Nutrition Facts	Value per Serving
Calories	217 kcal
Carbohydrates	16 g
Protein	21 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	3 g
Trans Fat	0.02 g
Cholesterol	98 mg
Sodium	498 mg
Potassium	405 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	14 g
Vitamin A	404 IU
Vitamin C	6 mg
Calcium	51 mg
Iron	2 mg

By following these simple baking instructions, you can create a delightful Baked Caprese Chicken. It showcases the perfect chicken preparation and layering of ingredients. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones.

Mastering the Balsamic Glaze

Perfecting the balsamic glaze is key to enhancing your baked Caprese chicken. This sauce boosts the dish’s taste and looks great too.

Glaze Consistency Tips

To get the right balsamic glaze, whisk well and add a thickener. Mix chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil pesto, honey, and cornstarch. Whisk hard to avoid lumps.

Cornstarch is vital for a thick, shiny glaze. As it simmers, it thickens the sauce, making it stick to the chicken beautifully.

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

• Balance the Acidity: The vinegar gives a tangy taste. Sweeten it with honey to your liking.
• Reduce for Deeper Flavors: Reducing balsamic vinegar separately makes it richer. This helps balance its flavors.
• Experiment with Aromatics: Add minced garlic for depth. Fresh basil or dried herbs add herbaceous notes.

Mastering the balsamic glaze takes your baked Caprese chicken to the next level. It will impress your guests with its taste and look.

Perfect Timing and Temperature Guide

To make the perfect baked Caprese chicken, you need to watch the cooking time and temperature closely. This ensures your dish is tasty and safe to eat. Here’s how to do it right:

1. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Then, bake the chicken for 15-23 minutes, depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should hit 165°F (74°C) for safety.
3. After the chicken is cooked, add the mozzarella cheese slices or shredded mozzarella. Then, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Lastly, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes the meat moist and flavorful.

The whole cooking duration, including prep and resting, is about 35 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. This is key for food safety.

By sticking to these timing and temperature tips, you’ll get a perfectly baked Caprese chicken every time. It will have crispy edges, tender meat, and melted mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

When serving your Baked Caprese Chicken, you have many tasty Italian side dishes to choose from. Pair it with classic pasta like spaghetti or penne. Or, try a creamy risotto that absorbs the balsamic glaze.

For a lighter option, roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers are great. They add a fresh touch to the dish.

To balance the richness, a fresh green salad with a zesty dressing is perfect. And don’t miss out on the garlic bread. It’s great for soaking up all the juices.

Plating Presentation

When serving your Baked Caprese Chicken, focus on a beautiful presentation. Place the chicken on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over it.

Add fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. Serving with warm, crusty bread is also a good idea. It lets guests enjoy the juicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Enjoying Baked Caprese Chicken doesn’t have to stop after the meal. You can keep the leftovers fresh and tasty for days. Here’s how to store and reheat your Caprese Chicken.

To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a covered skillet over low heat. Add water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing is also an option for up to 3 months. But, it’s best to freeze without the fresh tomatoes. If you freeze, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the best taste, eat the chicken within 2-3 days.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your Baked Caprese Chicken for days. Every bite will still be delicious.

Storage Method	Maximum Storage Time	Reheating Recommendations
Refrigerator	4 days	Covered skillet, low heat, with added water or broth
Freezer	3 months	Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Follow these guidelines to enjoy your Baked Caprese Chicken leftovers. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for days.

FAQ

Where does the term “Caprese” come from?

“Caprese” comes from “Capri,” an Italian island. It originally meant Caprese Salad, with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and olive oil. Chicken Caprese adds chicken to these classic flavors.

What equipment is needed to make Baked Caprese Chicken?

You’ll need a 9×13″ casserole dish, plastic wrap, a rolling pin or meat mallet, and a kitchen thermometer. You’ll also need to pound chicken breasts, trim fat, and make the balsamic sauce.

How do you make the balsamic glaze for Baked Caprese Chicken?

Mix chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil pesto, honey, cornstarch, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to get the right consistency. Adjust the flavor by changing the honey or vinegar.

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