Description
Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese is a simple and healthy dinner that combines juicy baked chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a sweet balsamic glaze drizzle. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful Italian-American classic with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 Garnishes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves (about a handful)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Brush each of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then evenly season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Assemble on sheet pan: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a sheet pan and scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken for roasting.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, ensuring the chicken is juicy and safely cooked.
- Add mozzarella and finish baking: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to the sheet pan for a more complete and colorful meal.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best, providing the perfect creamy topping.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
