Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction

This juicy, baked chicken caprese is drizzled with balsamic reduction for a savory meal you’ll love! Each bite is filled with fresh basil, melty mozzarella, and sweet roasted tomatoes for a mouthwatering chicken dinner you’ll never regret making

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese Recipe

This hearty chicken caprese is so good, you’ll never want to go back to regular chicken dinners!

• Effortless. Most of the cooking takes place in the oven, so you don’t have to do that much.
• Italian flavors. There’s melty mozzarella, balsamic reduction, and juicy cherry tomatoes in every bite.
• Wholesome. Making the reduction at home saves you from excess sodium and sugars found in store-bought sauces.
• Little clean-up. Since you only need one skillet to throw this recipe together, there’s barely any clean-up involved.

What You’ll Need

Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella give this chicken caprese its Italian flair. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

For the Chicken

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easiest to work with.
• Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper are best.
• Avocado oil – Feel free to use olive oil or coconut oil.
• Cherry tomatoes – Avoid regular tomatoes because they’re too meaty.
• Basil – Parsley works too.
• Mozzarella – It needs to be fresh mozzarella.

For the Reduction

• Balsamic vinegar – There is no swap for this.
• Dijon mustard – Stone-ground mustard is a good swap but avoid American yellow mustard.
• Honey – Agave nectar can be used instead.
• Olive oil – Feel free to use avocado oil.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic and garlic paste are best.
• Salt and pepper – Add them to taste.

How to Make Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction

You’ll love that you can get other things done as this easy chicken dinner with tangy balsamic reduction bakes in the oven. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Make the balsamic sauce. Preheat the oven to 400F. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside 2 tablespoons for later.
• Cook the chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on all sides. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and chicken. Sear it 3-4 minutes per side.

• Add the sauce. Stir 1 cup cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Pour the balsamic sauce on top (don’t add the reserved sauce yet).
• Bake it. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
• Make it melty. Remove the chicken from the oven. Top each piece with mozzarella. Return it to the oven until melty.
• Serve. Slice the remaining tomatoes in half. Remove the chicken from the heat. Garnish it with tomatoes, basil, and the reserved sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

From making it a stove-only dinner to adding a kick of heat, this simple chicken caprese will be your go-to dinner no matter what.

• Go for store-bought. If you’re in a rush, use store-bought balsamic reduction instead to save time.
• Add veggies. Stir 1 cup sliced mushrooms into the skillet with cherry tomatoes. Bake as usual. They’ll release moisture in the oven and help keep the chicken juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer. Stick a meat thermometer into the thickest part of each chicken breast after baking. Make sure it reads 165F, otherwise it’s uncooked.
• Make it spicy. Add a sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste for a kick of heat. Chili oil works too.
• Flatten it. To ensure even cooking, wrap each chicken breast in between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it’s an even thickness (between 3/4-1″ throughout).
• Use leftovers. You won’t use an oven for this. Reduce the sauce in a small pot over medium heat until thickened. Set it aside. Sautée the cherry tomatoes in a large skillet with avocado oil. Place a slice of my Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey in the skillet and add mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet and let it heat until warm and melty. Serve and drizzle with sauce to taste.

Serving Suggestions

This juicy chicken caprese is a great main dish for dinner. Pair it with veggie sides, soups, or pasta to complete the meal. I love it with my Arugula Salad or Classic Wedge Salad. My Asparagus with Lemon Zest are great too. For soup options, try my Tuscan White Bean Soup. Don’t forget a side of my Pesto Pasta with Grilled Vegetables.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Melty mozzarella and sweet tomatoes prevent this from being a freezer-friendly recipe, but you can definitely make it in advance.

• Fridge: Place it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight.
• To reheat it: Microwave it for up to a minute or until warm. You can also heat it in a pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
• Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs and Vegetables

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