If you like easy, flavorful meals this recipe will be a hit in your kitchen. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours cooking. A great way to shake up the usual chicken routine with minimal effort. The best part? This recipe is ideal for small batches—just enough for one or two people.
One of the things I adore about this dish is how it combines juicy chicken with the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad: tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The first time I made caprese chicken, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to make such a satisfying dish. Now, it’s a regular in my weekly meal plan, especially when I want something quick but a little bit fancy.
Making Chicken Caprese Using Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breast
For this caprese chicken recipe, you can use either skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Both work really well, but each has its own perks. Chicken breasts tend to be leaner and cook a little faster, while chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer a lighter meal, go for chicken breasts. On the other hand, if you want something a bit richer, chicken thighs are the way to go.
Grilled Chicken Recipe in a Skillet
You don’t need a grill to make this grilled chicken recipe. I love using my skillet to get a beautiful sear on the chicken. Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet helps lock in all the juices, and you still get that delicious, crispy outer layer that makes grilled chicken so good.
Using a skillet also makes this recipe even easier to manage, especially if you’re cooking in small batches like I do. You’ll only need to flip the chicken once, and then finish everything off in the oven for that melted mozzarella topping that’s just irresistible.
Can I Use Balsamic Glaze for this Easy Chicken Caprese
Yes, you absolutely can use balsamic glaze for this caprese chicken recipe. A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this dish to the next level. It adds a tangy sweetness that balances the rich mozzarella and juicy tomatoes perfectly. You can either buy balsamic glaze at the store or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until it thickens.
Easy Instructions for Creating Easy Caprese Chicken
Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen
- Oven: For baking the chicken after it’s seared.
- Skillet: A good-quality skillet is essential for getting a nice sear on the chicken.
- Spatula: Handy for flipping the chicken and ensuring even cooking.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and easy to cook, chicken breasts make for a lighter meal, while thighs offer more richness.
- Bone Broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic.
- Garlic Heads: Needed for that rich, aromatic base.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, colorful cherry tomatoes add a burst of acidity and juiciness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The star ingredient that gives this dish its signature Caprese touch.
- Curcuma: A pinch of this adds a warm, golden color and a subtle earthy flavor.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Detailed Directions for Making Caprese Chicken
One: Prepare Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
Two: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, melt butter and add your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. This forms the base of your dish.
Three: Cook Chicken
Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Four: Top with Tomatoes and Mozzarella then Bake
After the chicken is cooked, top each piece with sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Place the skillet in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. The tomatoes will soften and add a fresh, juicy element to the dish.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps lock in the juices and ensures the meat stays tender.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for the best results. It melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Balsamic Glaze: You can add olive oil, pesto, and fresh basil leaves. It brings the whole dish together.
Common Questions Answered
What Are the Perfect Pairings for Baked Caprese Chicken?
This dish goes beautifully with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple pasta. The fresh flavors of the chicken go well with almost anything, but I particularly love serving it with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra juices.
What Are the Proper Storage Tips for Baked Chicken Caprese?
After the chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it as the chicken may dry out.
If you want to keep the baked chicken longer, you can freeze it. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love
Check out some of the other small-batch recipes. You might love my broccoli stir fry chicken, stuffed bell peppers, or air-fried chicken wings. All are perfect for cooking for one or two people without wasting ingredients.
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Caprese Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 1/4 Cup Bone Broth
- 1 Onion
- 2 Garlic Heads
- 1 Cup Tomatoes Colourful
- 5 Mozarella mini
- 1 Tbsp Turmeric
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
- In a skillet, melt butter and add your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. This forms the base of your dish.
- Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it's golden brown and cooked through.
- After the chicken is cooked, top each piece with sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Place the skillet in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. The tomatoes will soften and add a fresh, juicy element to the dish.
Notes
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps lock in the juices and ensures the meat stays tender.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for the best results. It melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Balsamic Glaze: You can add olive oil, pesto, and fresh basil leaves. It brings the whole dish together.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.