If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this Easy Baked Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella might just become your new favorite go-to. It brings together everything we love about the classic Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil—and layers it over perfectly cooked chicken breasts for a one-pan dish that’s bursting with flavor.

What makes this version a little extra special? A quick turkey bacon and chicken ham topping adds a savory, smoky twist that takes the whole dish up a notch. And if you’ve got a few minutes to spare, a drizzle of simple homemade balsamic glaze pulls it all together with that perfect sweet-tangy finish.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I had a few tomatoes sitting on the counter and some leftover mozzarella in the fridge. What started as a simple idea turned into a dinner that felt a little fancy, a lot flavorful, and surprisingly easy to throw together. The best part? It all comes together in under 40 minutes with very little cleanup.

Let’s dive into Part 1 of the recipe—starting with prepping the chicken and layering on that savory Caprese magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb / 680 g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Caprese Topping:

• 2 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• ½ cup (75 g) chicken ham, diced
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch (0.5 cm) rounds
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

For the Optional Balsamic Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

STEP 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Choose a baking dish that comfortably holds all four chicken breasts without crowding—they’ll need space to bake evenly.

STEP 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them sear better and reduces excess moisture. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Even though the chicken will be topped with flavorful ingredients, seasoning it well at this stage ensures every bite is well-balanced and delicious.

STEP 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re golden brown. You’re not cooking them all the way through here—just developing a flavorful crust that adds texture and seals in the juices.

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish in a single layer.

STEP 4: Cook the Turkey Bacon & Ham

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful bits), add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp. Add the diced chicken ham and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Spoon the turkey bacon and ham mixture evenly over each chicken breast in the baking dish. This layer adds a smoky-salty note that complements the Caprese toppings beautifully.

we prepped and seared the chicken, crisped up the turkey bacon and ham, and got everything ready in the baking dish. Now comes the part that makes this dish sing: layering it with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and baking it until everything is bubbly, golden, and irresistible.

This step is where the Caprese-inspired flavors really shine. The tomato slices roast slightly in the oven, the mozzarella melts into a beautiful blanket over the top, and the smoky bits of bacon and ham tucked underneath add so much depth. It’s all the comfort of a cheesy baked dish, but with the bright, summery flavors of a Caprese salad.

Let’s finish assembling this dish and get it into the oven.

STEP 5: Add Tomatoes & Cheese

Once your chicken is topped with the cooked turkey bacon and ham, layer slices of fresh tomato over each piece. Slightly overlap them for full coverage—you want each bite of chicken to get that juicy, roasted tomato flavor.

Next, top each chicken breast with fresh mozzarella. You can use thick slices or torn pieces, depending on what you have. The key is to cover the tomatoes generously, since the cheese will melt and spread slightly as it bakes.

Tip: If your mozzarella is packed in water, blot it dry with paper towels before layering. This helps keep your dish from getting watery.

STEP 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The mozzarella should be melted, lightly golden around the edges, and the tomatoes slightly softened. If you like a little extra browning on your cheese, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 3 minutes. This gives the juices time to settle and makes the meat even more tender.

STEP 7: Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

While the chicken is baking (or just before serving), you can make a quick balsamic glaze for drizzling over the top.

In a small saucepan, combine:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, whisking until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for a syrupy consistency that will drizzle smoothly. Set aside to cool slightly—it will thicken a little more as it rests.

This glaze adds a rich, tangy-sweet element that balances the salty cheese and savory chicken beautifully. It’s optional but highly recommended.

STEP 8: Garnish & Serve

Just before serving, scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top of the chicken. The warmth from the dish will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its fresh, aromatic flavor.

If you made the balsamic glaze, drizzle it over the chicken just before plating. Serve hot, either as-is or with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

Tips for the Best Baked Caprese Chicken

1. Use even-sized chicken breasts:
This helps everything cook evenly. If your pieces are thick or uneven, consider pounding them to an even thickness or slicing them horizontally.

2. Dry the mozzarella and tomatoes:
Too much moisture from either can make the dish watery. A quick pat with paper towels makes a big difference in the final texture.

3. Customize the meat layer:
If you prefer traditional bacon or prosciutto, feel free to use them in place of turkey bacon and ham. The goal is to add that smoky, salty contrast.

4. Add a side of pasta or rice:
While this dish is great on its own, it also pairs well with a side of buttered noodles, herbed rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up any extra juices.

5. Serve it fresh:
This dish is best right out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the basil is still vibrant. If making ahead, wait to add the cheese and basil until just before baking.

Easy Baked Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella: FAQs and Final Thoughts

By now, your kitchen smells incredible, and your baked Caprese chicken is bubbling with melty mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and a hint of sweet basil. Whether you served it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or kept it simple and savory, this dish is one that never fails to impress.

To help you get even more out of this recipe, here are a few frequently asked questions—along with tips and variations to make it your own. From storage to substitutions, we’ve got you covered.

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken by seasoning, searing, and assembling it with the toppings (excluding the basil and balsamic glaze). Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. Add the basil and glaze just before serving.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. The cheese may not be as melty the next day, but the flavors are still delicious.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay very juicy. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, depending on thickness—just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor. Also, avoid overbaking—use a meat thermometer to remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it hits the safe internal temperature.

5. Can I skip the balsamic glaze?

Yes. The glaze is completely optional, but it adds a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese and bacon. If you want a shortcut, bottled balsamic glaze from the store works just fine.

6. What sides pair well with this dish?

Some of our favorite pairings include:

• Garlic roasted potatoes
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Mixed greens or arugula salad
• Crusty bread for soaking up the juices

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check labels on any processed meats or balsamic glaze if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts: An Effortless Dish That Delivers Big Flavor

This Easy Baked Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella is everything we love in a weeknight recipe—simple prep, quick cook time, and beautiful presentation with layers of flavor. It takes the elegance of Caprese salad and transforms it into a warm, satisfying main dish that feels just a little bit elevated, without any complicated steps.

The combination of seared chicken, melty mozzarella, savory turkey bacon, and fresh basil is one you’ll come back to again and again. And the fact that it all bakes in one dish? That’s just a bonus.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for a busy week, this is a reliable, delicious recipe that always hits the mark. If you try it, let us know what you paired it with or if you added your own twist—we’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Enjoy every bite!

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