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Easy Juicy Caprese Chicken Bake Recipe with Fresh Basil for Dinner

Easy Juicy Caprese Chicken Bake - featured image
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A quick and easy chicken bake featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, delivering classic Caprese flavors in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces / 170–225 g each), lightly pounded
  • 1 ½ cups (about 225 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional, e.g., oregano or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch (2 cm).
  3. Rub both sides of the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between them.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
  6. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
  7. Top each breast with slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
  9. Remove from oven and scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pounding chicken breasts to even thickness ensures uniform cooking and juiciness. Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra bubbly cheese but watch closely to avoid burning. Rest chicken 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices. For dairy-free, use plant-based mozzarella and omit balsamic vinegar. Can substitute grape tomatoes or bocconcini balls. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; reheat covered in oven or gently in microwave with water.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, chicken bake, fresh basil, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, juicy chicken

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/easy-juicy-caprese-chicken-bake-recipe-with-fresh-basil-for-dinner/