Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• cup oil and vinegar dressing, divided
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bunch fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 (8 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Pour cup of the dressing into a small bowl.
3. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the center of a grill pan. Brush both sides with the dressing and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, pour the remaining cup of dressing. Add the tomatoes and basil, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Spread the tomato and basil mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in a single layer.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella.
8. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is golden brown and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165F (74C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrition Facts	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	350	-
Total Fat	15g	20%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	112mg	37%
Sodium	675mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	14g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	10g	-
Protein	36g	72%
Vitamin C	18mg	20%
Calcium	377mg	29%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	446mg	9%

Servings Per Recipe: 4

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin Story

Caprese chicken is an American dish inspired by the Italian Caprese salad, which traditionally consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. The salad itself was named after the island of Capri in Italy, a region known for its Mediterranean cuisine. Over time, the Caprese flavors have been incorporated into various dishes, including chicken. The Baked Caprese Chicken brings the freshness of Caprese ingredients together with succulent chicken breasts, offering a comforting and easy-to-make dinner option that maintains the vibrant, summery flavors of the original salad.

Regional Variations

In Italy, the Caprese salad is a simple, fresh appetizer that relies on the quality of its ingredientsripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. In the United States, however, these flavors have been adapted into heartier meals, often incorporating grilled or baked chicken. Regional preferences influence the preparation of the dish, with some adding ingredients such as balsamic vinegar or garlic, while others stick to a simpler approach. In the South, for example, you may find the addition of a dash of Italian seasoning to intensify the herbal flavor.

What Makes It Different?

While Caprese Chicken shares a lot of similarities with other chicken dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Piccata, its distinguishing feature is the use of fresh, vibrant Caprese ingredientstomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Unlike Chicken Parmesan, which is breaded and fried, Caprese Chicken is light, healthy, and baked, often paired with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The mozzarella is added towards the end of the baking process, melting into a gooey layer that complements the juicy chicken. This keeps the dish fresh and maintains the integrity of the ingredients, unlike the heavier, fried chicken dishes found in Italian cuisine.

Common Locations for Serving

Baked Caprese Chicken is often served as a weeknight dinner or during a summer barbecue. It's a dish that is easy to prepare and makes an excellent main course for gatherings. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it an appealing option for family meals and dinner parties alike. In restaurants, it is typically found on the menu in Italian-inspired or American bistros. The dish is particularly popular in the warmer months when tomatoes are in season, and fresh basil is plentiful. It's commonly paired with light sides like roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple green salad.

Fun Facts

• The combination of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes is a classic representation of the colors of the Italian flaggreen, white, and redmaking it a patriotic dish in Italy.
• Caprese dishes, including the Baked Caprese Chicken, are associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is known for being heart-healthy and packed with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients.
• While the Caprese salad originates from the island of Capri, the concept of pairing chicken with these ingredients likely came from the growing popularity of chicken as a versatile and lean protein in Western cuisine.
• In some variations of the recipe, balsamic glaze is drizzled over the chicken for added sweetness and depth of flavor, though this is not a traditional element of the classic Caprese salad.

This simple, yet flavorful dish is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, summery ingredients and is looking for a quick, healthy dinner. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, Baked Caprese Chicken is sure to impress!

FAQ about Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe

Comments