Description
This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal by roasting tender chicken breasts with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s an easy one-pan recipe bursting with Italian-inspired flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or in balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and tomatoes.
- Season the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Arrange on sheet pan: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on one side of a large sheet pan. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on the other side, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
- Roast chicken and tomatoes: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the tomatoes are blistered and tender.
- Add mozzarella and finish baking: Remove the pan briefly from the oven and place slices or balls of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Once melted, remove from the oven, garnish the chicken and tomatoes with torn fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can substitute balsamic glaze with a balsamic reduction or a little balsamic vinegar.
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to get the best roast.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through for safety and optimal juiciness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently.
