Baked Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Drizzle is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the fresh, classic flavors of a Caprese salad right onto a juicy baked chicken breast. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, combining tender chicken with ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all topped with a sweet balsamic reduction. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss yet delivers maximum taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients come together for a deliciously fresh and comforting meal.
Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and zesty balsamic drizzle creates a perfect harmony of tastes.
Healthy & Balanced: Lean protein from chicken with fresh veggies and herbs makes this a balanced, nutritious plate.
Beautiful Presentation: The colorful layers of tomato, cheese, and basil make it an impressive dish to serve.
Versatile: Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread, or try it alongside pasta dishes like the Baked Feta Tomato Chickpea Pasta for a full Italian-inspired meal.

What You’ll Gather

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Baking dish or sheet pan – to roast the chicken and tomatoes.
Small saucepan – to reduce the balsamic vinegar into a glaze.
Sharp knife – to halve tomatoes and slice mozzarella.
Cutting board – for prep.
Tongs or spatula – for handling the chicken breasts.
Meat thermometer (optional) – to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.

Make Baked Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Drizzle: A Simple Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the tomatoes start to blister.

Step 3: Add Mozzarella and Basil

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the tomatoes and chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted beautifully and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Make the Balsamic Drizzle

While the chicken finishes baking, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the vinegar thickens into a syrupy glaze, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the baked chicken and tomatoes just before serving. This adds a wonderful sweet-tart contrast that elevates the dish. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve with your favorite sides or alongside pasta dishes like the Caprese Tortellini Skillet for a delightful meal.

Make It Diet-Friendly

Use low-fat fresh mozzarella to reduce calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a leafy green salad instead of bread or pasta.
Replace olive oil with a light cooking spray to cut down on added fats.
Reduce the amount of balsamic glaze or use a balsamic vinegar substitute with less sugar.

Notes on Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Choose even-sized boneless, skinless breasts for uniform cooking.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
Fresh Mozzarella: Use good-quality, fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture and delicate flavor.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that authentic Caprese taste; dried basil won’t have the same impact.
Balsamic Vinegar: Use a good-quality balsamic vinegar for the glaze, as it directly affects the flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth but can be substituted with any neutral oil if needed.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prep several components ahead of time to make mealtime easier:

Slice mozzarella and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Make the balsamic reduction in advance and store it in a small jar or container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Season the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Leftovers of baked Caprese chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the melty cheese texture.

Ask & Learn

Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other mild, melty cheeses such as provolone or fontina. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change, but these cheeses will still complement the tomatoes and basil nicely.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to ensure chicken is cooked through is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part of the breast; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque.

What can I serve with Baked Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Drizzle?

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a leafy green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside pasta recipes such as the Caprese Tortellini Skillet or the Baked Feta Tomato Chickpea Pasta.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the fresh mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add a savory note if you prefer to skip cheese altogether. The balsamic drizzle remains the perfect finishing touch.

Weekend Projects

Caprese Skewers – A fun and easy appetizer that captures the essence of Caprese in bite-sized form.
Caprese Tortellini Skillet – A comforting one-pan pasta dish loaded with Caprese flavors.
Baked Feta Tomato Chickpea Pasta – A trendy and flavorful pasta bake perfect for casual dinners.

Hungry for More?

If you love the fresh and vibrant flavors of Caprese-inspired dishes, you’re in for a treat with this Baked Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Drizzle. The juicy chicken paired with melty mozzarella and the sweet tang of balsamic glaze is truly irresistible. This recipe is an excellent gateway to exploring more Italian-inspired meals that are both homey and elegant. Try pairing it with a crisp white wine or your favorite sparkling water with a twist of lemon to complete the experience.

Baked Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Drizzle is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s straightforward, wholesome, and packed with flavor — everything you want in a weeknight dinner. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy a little taste of Italy right at home.

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