Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Bake

$To make Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Bake, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1/2 cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Here’s how much you need: - Chicken breasts: Four pieces, around 6 oz each. - Cherry tomatoes: Two cups, about 12-15 tomatoes, depending on size. - Mozzarella cheese: Eight ounces, roughly one ball of cheese. - Balsamic glaze: Half a cup, which adds a sweet tang. - Olive oil: Two tablespoons for cooking and flavor. - Garlic: Four cloves for a bold taste. - Dried herbs: One teaspoon each of basil and oregano. - Salt and pepper: Use to your taste. - Fresh basil: A handful for garnish and fresh flavor. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. - Chicken: I recommend fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Frozen ones can work, but they may not cook evenly. - Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. Canned tomatoes won’t give the same taste. - Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is the best choice. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. - Balsamic glaze: You can buy it, but making your own is simple and fun. Just reduce balsamic vinegar until thick. - Herbs: Fresh basil is ideal, but dried works if you’re in a pinch. Using fresh ingredients truly elevates this recipe. They bring vibrant flavors and textures that make every bite delightful. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab a large oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the dish. Spread the oil evenly across the bottom. This will help the chicken not stick. Now, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season each side with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Place the chicken in the baking dish. Scatter 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. This adds flavor and color. In a small bowl, mix 4 cloves of minced garlic with half of the balsamic glaze. Pour this mixture over the chicken and tomatoes. It gives the dish a rich taste. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Now, top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. This makes the dish creamy and delicious. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should melt and bubble nicely. Once your chicken is done, drizzle the rest of the balsamic glaze over everything. This adds a nice shine and extra flavor. For the final touch, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. They give a lovely pop of color and a fresh taste. Now, your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Bake is ready to serve! To get juicy chicken, start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Always season your chicken well. Use salt and pepper, along with dried herbs like basil and oregano. This adds flavor. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. Bake it for 25 minutes before adding cheese. This way, the chicken stays moist. Using balsamic glaze can elevate your dish. Start with a good quality glaze for the best flavor. You can make it from scratch by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens. This gives a rich taste. When using store-bought glaze, drizzle it on at the end. This keeps the flavor bold and fresh. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. Mozzarella is classic for Caprese chicken, but you can try different cheeses. Provolone adds a nice kick. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor that pairs well. If you like sharp cheese, try aged cheddar. Each cheese changes the taste, so feel free to experiment. Just remember to keep the cheese creamy. This helps melt and blend well with the glaze and chicken. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in balsamic glaze and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before baking. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as goat cheese or feta for a unique twist on the classic Caprese flavors. Tomato Alternatives: If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, consider using sun-dried tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes for a different texture and taste. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread to round out the meal and complement the Caprese flavors. {{image_2}} You can add a fresh twist to your dish by adding spinach. Start by sautéing a few cups of fresh spinach in olive oil. Once wilted, spread the spinach over the chicken before adding tomatoes and cheese. This adds a burst of color and nutrients. The spinach gives it a lovely green hue. Plus, it pairs well with the creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze. For a Mediterranean flair, consider adding olives and feta cheese. Use kalamata or green olives for a nice briny flavor. Sprinkle them on top of the chicken with the tomatoes. Add crumbled feta to enhance the taste. The salty feta and olives complement the sweet balsamic glaze perfectly. This variation creates a rich, savory dish that transports you to a sunny Mediterranean kitchen. Grilling is another fun way to enjoy this meal. Start by marinating the chicken in balsamic glaze and spices for a few hours. Then, grill the chicken until it gets those nice char marks. After grilling, top with fresh mozzarella and let it melt. This method adds a smoky flavor and makes the chicken juicy. Serve it with fresh tomatoes and drizzle extra glaze on top for a delicious finish. After cooking, let the Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This dish stays tasty and fresh, perfect for quick meals. You can freeze leftovers for later use. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but it may not keep the cheese as bubbly. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicy and full of flavor. They also stay tender during cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella. It melts well and tastes great. You can also try provolone or even gouda for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds. These options will still give you that delicious, cheesy goodness. Making balsamic glaze at home is easy and quick. You need just balsamic vinegar and a saucepan. Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into the pan. Heat it on medium until it starts to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir it often until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Let it cool before using. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your dishes. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty balsamic glazed chicken. You learned about key ingredients, steps for cooking, and helpful tips for perfect results. I shared fun variations and storage info, plus answers to your questions. By using fresh, quality ingredients and following the steps, you can make this dish special. Enjoy exploring flavors and tweaking recipes to fit your taste. Cooking can be fun and easy!$

Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Bake

A delicious baked chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
0.5 cup balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
to garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe baking dish, drizzle the olive oil and spread it evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano on both sides. Place them in the baking dish.
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts.
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with half of the balsamic glaze. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and tomatoes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over everything just before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.

Keyword bake, balsamic, caprese, chicken