Description
Succulent chicken breasts are seasoned and baked under layers of ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, then finished with a drizzle of sweet-tangy balsamic glaze. This one-pan dinner comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers classic Caprese flavors without the fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
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2 large tomatoes, sliced ¼″ thick
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8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼″ thick
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8–12 fresh basil leaves
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Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Balsamic Glaze
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½ cup balsamic vinegar
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1 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & preheat:
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment.
2️⃣ Season the chicken:
Pat chicken dry and place in the prepared dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Bake the chicken:
Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, until the chicken is almost cooked through (internal temp ~150 °F/65 °C).
4️⃣ Layer the toppings:
Remove the dish from the oven. Top each breast with tomato slices, then arrange mozzarella slices and basil leaves over the tomatoes.
5️⃣ Finish baking:
Return to the oven and bake 5–7 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
6️⃣ Make the glaze:
While the chicken finishes, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
7️⃣ Serve:
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over each chicken breast and garnish with extra basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Make-Ahead: Season and top the chicken up to 2 hours ahead; refrigerate covered and bake when ready.
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Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just verify your balsamic vinegar has no added thickeners.
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Variation: Swap mozzarella for slices of burrata just before serving for extra creaminess.
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Side Pairings: Serve over a bed of arugula, alongside garlic bread, or with roasted vegetables.
Enjoy this effortless, flavor-packed Caprese-style chicken that always impresses!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 22 min