Chicken Caprese is the perfect quick and easy dinner, blending juicy chicken breasts baked in a sweet balsamic reduction with creamy mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, and fragrant basil. This healthy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and mealtime a delight.

With just a few simple ingredients, Chicken Caprese captures the essence of fresh, vibrant flavors in a wholesome way. Whether you serve it over pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or alongside a crisp salad, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple.

Fresh Essentials for Chicken Caprese

Chicken Breasts – Juicy and tender, these form the hearty base of the dish, soaking up all the rich balsamic flavors.
Olive Oil – Helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken while adding rich, fruity notes.
Dried Basil & Oregano – A classic Italian herb duo that layers the chicken with earthy, aromatic warmth.
Red Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the balsamic glaze.
Balsamic Vinegar – The star of the sauce, it reduces into a tangy-sweet glaze that ties the entire dish together.
Light Brown Sugar – Balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar with just the right amount of sweetness.
Garlic – Infuses the glaze with a mild, savory punch.
Roma Tomatoes – Fresh, juicy slices that add brightness and a touch of acidity.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding creamy, luscious texture.
Fresh Basil Leaves – A final flourish of color and peppery freshness that completes the Caprese experience.

How to Make Chicken Caprese: A Simple Guide

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sear them quickly in a hot oven-proof skillet until lightly golden on both sides, then set them aside.

Next, make the glaze by simmering diced red onion, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar in the same skillet. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and bake until fully cooked through.

After baking, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella, then broil briefly until the cheese melts into creamy perfection. Serve immediately with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of the remaining balsamic glaze.

Tips and Twists for Your Best Chicken Caprese

For the juiciest results, butterfly overly thick chicken breasts to help them cook more evenly and quickly. If you want an extra pop of freshness, add a sprinkle of arugula on top just before serving.

For fun variations, try grilling the chicken instead of baking for a smoky flavor, or transform leftovers into a mouthwatering Chicken Caprese sandwich by layering everything on toasted artisan bread. Serving the dish over pasta tossed with extra balsamic glaze is another satisfying way to enjoy it!

Keeping It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Chicken Caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken is delicious cold, sliced over a fresh salad, or gently reheated in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

If you need to freeze it, do so before adding the mozzarella and tomato. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding fresh toppings right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Chicken Caprese Recipe

A delightful and wholesome Italian-inspired dish, Chicken Caprese features succulent chicken breasts nestled in a rich balsamic glaze, crowned with luscious mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, and fragrant basil. Prepared conveniently in a single skillet, it promises a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 35

Ingredients

2 Roma tomatoes sliced
1/3 cup red onion finely diced
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh basil leaves chiffonade
2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season both sides generously with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; add the remaining oil, then place the chicken into the pan, searing swiftly on each side until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, combine the red onion, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar, stirring and simmering the mixture for about 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 10–20 minutes based on thickness.
Adjust the oven to broil setting.
Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and broil just until the cheese has melted, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
Immediately garnish with slices of fresh tomato and a sprinkle of chiffonade basil. Drizzle the reserved pan sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Chicken Preparation: If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, butterfly them horizontally for quicker, even cooking.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cold chicken works wonderfully chopped into salads.

Freezing: Freeze the chicken without toppings in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, then add cheese and tomato.

Grilled Version: Season and grill the chicken until cooked through, topping with mozzarella during the final minutes.

Chicken Caprese Pasta: Double the balsamic glaze and serve the prepared chicken atop a bed of freshly cooked pasta.

Sandwich Variation: Tuck the cooked chicken into toasted bread or rolls with mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and a light drizzle of balsamic sauce.