Description
Juicy chicken breasts baked in a flavorful tomato-basil sauce and topped with melted fresh mozzarella. This Caprese Chicken Casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub over chicken.
- Heat remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add balsamic vinegar and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until tomatoes soften.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the tomato sauce.
- Arrange mozzarella slices over the chicken.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Provolone or fontina cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the tomato mixture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- To make this dairy-free, substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
- Serve with pasta, rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up the delicious tomato-basil sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes