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caprese chicken oven

Oven Baked Caprese Chicken Breast

Joy Brooks
Perfectly juicy oven baked caprese chicken breast featuring fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and aromatic basil using a proven dual-temperature cooking technique that guarantees restaurant-quality results.
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Servings: 2 people
Course: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 425 kcal
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 8 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium tomatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for finishing

Method
 

  1. Optional but recommended: Prepare a brine with 4 cups cold water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Submerge chicken for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry completely.
  2. Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line baking dish with foil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts evenly with this mixture.
  4. Bake chicken at 425°F for 10 minutes to create an initial sear.
  5. Without opening the oven, reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove chicken from oven and top each breast with alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella. Tuck basil leaves between some of the slices.
  7. Return to oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 163°F (73°C) at the thickest part.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow temperature to rise to 165°F and juices to redistribute.
  9. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.

Note

  • For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of approximately 3/4-inch.
  • Remove excess seeds and gel from tomato slices to prevent excess moisture during baking.
  • If using fresh mozzarella, place slices on paper towels for 10 minutes before using to remove excess moisture.
  • Always verify doneness with a thermometer rather than relying solely on cooking times.
  • For larger chicken breasts, extend initial cooking time by 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.