It’s the classic flavor of caprese in chicken form with juicy chicken breasts surrounded by tomatoes and topped with melted mozzarella. The tomatoes burst as they roast alongside the chicken for a sheet pan dinner that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. Serve it alongside a simple salad for a lighter option, or over pasta or even plain steamed rice.
For more easy caprese-inspired meals, try our caprese stuffed avocados, easy caprese soup, or our caprese stuffed burgers.
Why Our Recipe
- Classic caprese flavors with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe is ready in under 45 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With everything cooking together on one pan, cleanup is also quick and easy. It’s a simple, fresh dinner that’s may very well become a family favorite.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Thinner chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they cook quickly and evenly. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste, but be sure to season generously for the best results.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic. If you prefer fresh, use 2-3 cloves minced, but keep an eye on them as they can burn easily.
- Cherry Tomatoes: The cherry tomatoes on the vine are the most beautiful, but you can just use loose tomatoes since those are a whole lot easier to find. Grape tomatoes can be used as well. You can even use a mix of yellow and red tomatoes too.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting and flavor. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, thick slices of regular mozzarella will also work.
- Balsamic Glaze: You can find it in the vinegar aisle of most grocery stores, or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- Fresh Basil: This is the classic garnish for Caprese and it’s more than just pretty, it also adds flavor. You could also use 1 teaspoon of dried basil if that’s more convenient.
Tomato Options
Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine: These are the showstoppers. They’re perfect if you want to add a little extra flair to your dish and make it look as amazing as it tastes.
Loose Cherry Tomatoes: For a more convenient option, loose cherry tomatoes are just as tasty and much easier to find. They roast up nicely, getting all sweet and juicy, which is exactly what you want.
Grape Tomatoes: These are a bit firmer, so they won’t burst as much in the oven. If you like your tomatoes a little more intact, grape tomatoes are a great choice.
Mixed Colors: Want to add some color to your dish? Go for a mix of yellow and red tomatoes. Not only do they look pretty, but the slight difference in flavor between the two adds a fun twist.
Roma or Plum Tomatoes: Not our favorite choice for roasting, but they still work. Cut them into quarters.
Serving Suggestions
Listen, it’s delicious, but it’s not quite a complete meal with just chicken and tomatoes. So here are some excellent easy options:
- Simple Green Salad: Keep it light with a mix of leafy greens with balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect wingman for those Caprese flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Feeling a little indulgent? Warm up some garlic bread. It’s basically a sponge for all the delicious tomato juices—you won’t regret it.
- Pasta: Want to carb load? Serve the chicken over pasta. Toss the noodles with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s like the chicken’s best friend.
- Steamed Rice: Sometimes, simple is best. Steamed rice is here to soak up all the yummy goodness from the chicken and balsamic glaze—no fuss, just flavor.
- Roasted Veggies: Throw some extra veggies on the sheet pan, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. They’ll roast up alongside the chicken, adding some color and a healthy sidekick to your plate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F. Place the chicken and tomatoes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Reheat for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Reheat in the microwave by placing the chicken and tomatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high in 30-second increments until heated through.
Looks delicious and is delicious!
I also add cut fresh asparagus and sliced mushrooms to pan along with the tomatoes.
Great. We love it!