Description
Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese is a simple and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender baked chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a tangy balsamic glaze. This easy-to-make Italian-American dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a healthy, flavorful dinner option with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly heated for baking the chicken and tomatoes evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Brush each boneless, skinless chicken breast with olive oil, then season all sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Arrange on sheet pan: Place the seasoned chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes spaced out on a large sheet pan to allow even cooking on the single pan.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safely cooked through.
- Add mozzarella and melt: Remove the sheet pan, top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella, and return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once melted, remove from oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish, and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving to add vibrant flavor and a finishing touch.
Notes
- Add asparagus or zucchini to the sheet pan to create a more complete and nutritious meal with minimal extra effort.
- Fresh mozzarella is recommended as it melts best, creating a creamy texture atop the chicken.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
