If you love fresh, light meals that still feel satisfying, this Caprese Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It combines tender marinated chicken with melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic — basically all the flavors of a classic Caprese salad, turned into a full meal.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, healthy enough to feel good about eating, and fancy enough to serve guests. The secret? A quick marinade that keeps the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and healthy but still filling
- Juicy chicken every single time
- Uses simple everyday ingredients
- Naturally low carb & high protein
- Perfect for meal prep
Ingredients Explained
Chicken breasts
Boneless and skinless work best because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade perfectly.
Italian dressing
Acts as both marinade and tenderizer. It adds acidity, herbs, and oil — all essential for juicy chicken.
Italian herb seasoning
Boosts the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Chicken seasoning (Montreal style)
Adds savory depth and slight peppery flavor.
Canola oil
Helps sear the chicken and lock in juices before baking.
Fresh mozzarella
Melts beautifully and gives creamy richness without heaviness.
Tomatoes
Provide freshness and natural sweetness.
Fresh basil leaves
The signature Caprese flavor — do not skip!
Balsamic vinegar
Finishes the dish with tangy sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Make Caprese Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken breasts into a zip bag.
Add Italian dressing, Italian herbs, and chicken seasoning.
Seal and massage well to coat.
Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours (minimum 4 hours for best flavor).
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
A hot oven keeps the chicken juicy and cooks it fast.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade).
Sear chicken 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
This step locks in juices.
4. Bake
Transfer the skillet directly into the oven.
Bake about 12 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Add Caprese Topping
Top each chicken breast with:
- 1 slice mozzarella
- 1 slice tomato
Return to oven 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Finish & Serve
Transfer to plate.
Add:
- Fresh basil leaf
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar
Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Pound thick chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking
- Do not skip the searing step — it keeps chicken moist
- Always use fresh mozzarella, not shredded
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving
Variations
Grilled Version
Grill chicken instead of baking, then add toppings and close grill lid to melt cheese.
Low-Calorie Version
Use light Italian dressing and reduced-fat mozzarella.
Creamy Version
Add a spoon of pesto under the cheese before melting.
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to marinade.
What to Serve With
- Garlic roasted vegetables
- Steamed rice
- Pasta
- Salad
- Toasted bread
- Cauliflower rice (low carb)
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze without tomato & basil up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Oven at 350°F (best texture)
OR microwave covered (quick option)
Add fresh basil after reheating.
Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken, dressing, herbs, and seasoning in a zip bag. Marinate 4–6 hours in refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Heat oil in oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and sear 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake 12 minutes until cooked through.
- Top each chicken breast with mozzarella and tomato.
- Bake 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven, add basil leaf, and drizzle balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Pound chicken for even cooking
- Do not overbake
- Add basil after cooking for best flavor
FAQs
Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, and it tastes even better.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — they turn even juicier.
Can I skip the oven and cook fully on stove?
Yes, cook covered on low heat until done.
Why is my chicken dry?
Usually overcooking — remove once internal temp hits 165°F.
