Description
Caprese chicken delivers Italian-inspired elegance with juicy grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Sunlight-drenched Mediterranean flavors dance on your plate, promising a simple yet sophisticated culinary journey.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets (approximately 1.25 pounds / 567 grams)
- 3 tomatoes on the vine (sliced thickly)
- 4 to 5 ounces (113 to 142 grams) mozzarella cheese (sliced thin)
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped, for garnish)
- Fresh grated Parmesan (for sprinkling over tomatoes)
Cooking Ingredients:
- Olive oil (for greasing pans and drizzling as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet and baking pan by lightly coating them with olive oil.
- Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, then delicately drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer chicken cutlets to the greased baking pan, thoroughly seasoning both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Place both the tomato and chicken pans in the oven, roasting for approximately 15 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the tomatoes become soft and slightly caramelized.
- Activate the broiler function after removing the pans from the oven. Carefully layer mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken cutlet, then return to the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese topping without burning.
- Complete the dish by artfully distributing the roasted tomatoes over the melted cheese-topped chicken cutlets. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving immediately while still warm.
Notes
- Elevate your weeknight dinner with this restaurant-quality Caprese chicken that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
- Roasting tomatoes beforehand concentrates their natural sweetness and creates an intense, caramelized flavor profile that complements the tender chicken.
- Melting fresh mozzarella under the broiler creates a golden, bubbly cheese topping that adds luxurious richness to each bite.
- Fresh basil isn’t just a garnish but a crucial aromatic element that brings brightness and classic Italian herb notes to the entire dish.
- Using high-quality Parmesan during tomato roasting introduces a savory, nutty undertone that deepens the overall taste experience.
- Cooking chicken and tomatoes simultaneously saves time and ensures both components are perfectly prepared without extra dishes or complicated techniques.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg