Savory Baked Caprese Chicken 🍅🍗

This Baked Caprese Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining the wonderful flavors of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with juicy chicken breasts. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also looks impressive when served! Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. 🥖

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Caprese topping

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with this spice mix.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

🔥 Searing the chicken adds flavor and locks in moisture, giving you a juicy result right out of the oven!

4. Layer the halved cherry tomatoes over the seared chicken, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh oregano if desired.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🎉 For added flavor, you can also marinate the chicken in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.

Variations

• Pesto Boost: Spread a layer of pesto under the mozzarella before baking. This adds a nutty, herbaceous flavor that complements the Caprese toppings beautifully! 🌿
• Stuffed Version: For a more decadent dish, butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil before baking.
• Veggie Option: Substitute chicken with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini for a plant-based version that’s just as hearty and flavorful! 🍆
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra burst of heat. 🌶️

Enjoy this delightful Baked Caprese Chicken that's bound to impress everyone at your dinner table! 🍽️