Description
Homemade caprese chicken blends Italian culinary traditions with fresh summer ingredients. Juicy grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll savor with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken cutlets (approx. 1.25 lbs / 567 g)
- 4–5 oz / 113-142 g mozzarella cheese (sliced thin)
- 3 tomatoes (vine, sliced thick)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- basil leaves (fresh, torn or chopped, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (fresh grated, for sprinkling over tomatoes)
- olive oil (for greasing pans and drizzling as needed)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly greasing a baking sheet and pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Tomato Roasting: Arrange tomatoes in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil, and dust with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor foundation.
- Chicken Seasoning and Roasting: Position chicken cutlets in the prepared baking pan, seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Simultaneously roast tomatoes and chicken for approximately 15 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tomatoes achieve a soft, caramelized texture.
- Cheese Melting: Activate the broiler, top chicken with mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese surface without scorching.
- Plating and Garnishing: Distribute roasted tomatoes atop the cheese-covered chicken, adorn with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while piping hot to preserve the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures.
Notes
- Optimize Oven Positioning: Place racks in middle and upper positions to ensure even cooking and perfect cheese melting without burning.
- Monitor Cheese Carefully: Watch broiler closely during the 2-3 minute cheese melting process to prevent burning and achieve golden, bubbly topping.
- Temperature Check: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
- Tomato Selection Matters: Choose ripe, firm cherry or grape tomatoes for best roasting results and intense flavor concentration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg