This Caprese Chicken Casserole is a delicious, Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in a rich, garlicky sauce. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s both light and satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Baked to perfection, this cheesy, flavorful casserole is best served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness.
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Basil: Brings a fresh, classic Caprese flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Adds a sweet and tangy depth to the dish.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Scatter cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the chicken. Top each piece with shredded mozzarella (or fresh slices).
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and cheese is melted.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Protein: ~40g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Marinate chicken in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- For a Crispier Top: Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking for a golden-brown finish.
- For a Lower-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Reduce baking time to 15 minutes, just until heated through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try Parmesan, provolone, or feta for different flavors.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella or omit cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted zucchini or bell peppers.
Caprese Chicken Casserole*
Equipment
- - Large mixing bowl
- - 9x13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Cutting board and knife
- - Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 thighs)
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - ½ teaspoon black pepper
- - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella slices
- - ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Chicken**
- Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a **9x13-inch baking dish**.
- Season **chicken breasts** with **salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning**.
- #### **Step 2: Sear the Chicken**
- Heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for **2-3 minutes per side**, until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
- #### **Step 3: Add Toppings**
- Scatter **cherry tomatoes and minced garlic** around the chicken. Top each piece with **shredded mozzarella (or fresh slices)**.
- #### **Step 4: Bake the Casserole**
- Bake uncovered for **25-30 minutes**, or until the **chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and cheese is melted**.
- #### **Step 5: Garnish & Serve**
- Remove from oven and top with **fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze**. Serve hot with **pasta, rice, or a fresh salad**.
Leave a Reply