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Easy Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Delight

Easy Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy sheet pan dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 300 grams), halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (225 grams), sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed, torn or whole
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to the bowl and mix well to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Line a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken breasts spaced evenly on the sheet.
  5. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over everything.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately lay the sliced fresh mozzarella over each chicken breast.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top once out of the oven to keep their bright flavor intact.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden crust. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use fresh mozzarella for best melt and texture. Add fresh basil after baking to preserve flavor and color. For juicier chicken, thighs can be used but may require longer cooking time. To keep chicken moist when reheating leftovers, warm gently in a skillet or oven rather than microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan chicken, Caprese chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken breast, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/easy-sheet-pan-caprese-chicken-delight-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/