If you’re searching for simple chicken recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, this Caprese Chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner. Combining tender chicken thighs with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a rich balsamic glaze, this recipe brings the classic Italian Caprese salad to life in a hearty, protein-packed meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want healthy dinner ideas that don’t compromise on taste.
This Caprese Chicken recipe features golden-seared chicken baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together in half an hour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Caprese Chicken Recipe
This healthy chicken recipe checks all the boxes for an ideal weeknight dinner. The combination of Italian herbs, balsamic vinegar, and fresh ingredients creates layers of flavor that satisfy every palate. Here’s what makes this recipe special:
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already. Fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes are the stars, while dried herbs and balsamic vinegar bring everything together.
Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. The chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy while developing a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the mozzarella, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious. The fresh tomatoes and basil add vitamins and antioxidants.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve this Caprese Chicken over pasta, with crusty bread, alongside roasted vegetables, or over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Caprese Chicken recipe:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skinless bone-in chicken thighs | 6 pieces | Can substitute with boneless thighs or chicken breasts |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Use Italian seasoning as alternative |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon | Fresh basil for garnish is separate |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1 pinch | Freshly cracked preferred |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Or cooking spray |
| Garlic | 2 tablespoons minced | About 6 cloves |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1/3 cup | Use quality vinegar for best flavor |
| Brown sugar | 2 1/2 tablespoons | Packed measurement |
| Grape or cherry tomatoes | 1 1/2 cups | Divided use |
| Fresh mozzarella cheese | 8 oz | Or Bocconcini, cut into 6 slices |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1/4 cup | Chiffonade cut |
Optional Balsamic Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Balsamic vinegar | 1/3 cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons packed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Caprese Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare and Season
Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). While the oven heats, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season each thigh generously with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and cracked black pepper on both sides. This creates a flavorful base for your chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful crust. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and drain excess oil, leaving about a teaspoon in the pan.
Step 3: Create the Balsamic Glaze
Return the skillet to medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat in the balsamic glaze. Add 1 cup of whole grape tomatoes around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the oven and top each chicken thigh with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully over the chicken.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Halve the remaining 1/2 cup of tomatoes and arrange them over the melted cheese. Drizzle with pan sauce and garnish generously with fresh basil chiffonade. If desired, drizzle with additional balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Caprese Chicken
Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy during baking. If using boneless thighs or chicken breasts, reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing creates a golden crust that adds depth of flavor. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken.
Quality Matters: Use good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. Cheap vinegar can taste too acidic.
Fresh Mozzarella is Key: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that dried mozzarella can’t match.
Adjust Sweetness: If your balsamic vinegar is particularly sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Caprese Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter mashed cauliflower
- Fresh pasta tossed with olive oil and Parmesan
- Crusty Italian bread for soaking up the balsamic sauce
- Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftover Caprese Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken (without the fresh tomatoes and basil) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, adding fresh toppings before serving.
Meal Prep: This recipe works great for meal prep. Cook the chicken fully, portion into containers with your choice of sides, and refrigerate for easy weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Pound them to even thickness and reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out.
What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?
Sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the mozzarella or use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative. The balsamic glaze and tomatoes still provide amazing flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
Can I prepare the balsamic glaze ahead?
Yes! Make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze?
Balsamic glaze is reduced balsamic vinegar that’s been simmered with sugar until thick and syrupy. It’s sweeter and more concentrated than regular vinegar.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Caprese Chicken recipe is proof that healthy dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The combination of savory chicken, tangy balsamic, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for quick and easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights or healthy chicken recipes for meal prep, this Caprese Chicken delivers on every level. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Ready to try this delicious recipe? Gather your ingredients and get cooking – your family will thank you! Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Caprese Chicken Recipe : Balsamic Glazed Perfection in 30 Minutes
This Easy Caprese Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a rich balsamic glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners that don’t compromise on flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
6 skinless bone-in chicken thighs
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cracked black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or a light spray of cooking oil spray
2 tablespoons garlic minced
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, divided
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese or Bocconcini, cut into 6x 1/2-inch slices
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chiffonade
Optional Balsamic Glaze:
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 210°C | 410°F.
2. Season each chicken thigh with the oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
3. Heat the oil (or cooking spray) in a large oven-proof pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes each side. Transfer chicken to a plate; drain most of the excess oil, leaving about a teaspoon worth.
4. Return the skillet back to the stove; fry garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the vinegar and brown sugar; stirring to combine while heating through. Bring to a simmer, while stirring occasionally, until glaze has thickened (about 5-6 minutes).
5. Return the chicken to the pan, turning in the glaze to evenly coat. Add 1 cup of the tomatoes, whole, around the chicken and place the chicken into the oven. Bake until the chicken is completely cooked through (about 30 minutes). Top each chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese; return back into the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
6. Slice the remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes in half; place them on top of the cheese; pour over some of the balsamic sauce from the pan and garnish with basil. Serve immediately.
7. Optional: If wanting to serve with extra balsamic glaze, make your glaze while the chicken is in the oven. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small pot and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, allowing to simmer while stirring occasionally, until the glaze is thickened and reduced by half (about 5-6 minutes). Drizzle over the chicken when ready to serve.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken thighs for juiciest results, but boneless thighs or chicken breasts work too (reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes).
Quality balsamic vinegar makes a big difference in flavor.
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and provides the best texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.