Chicken Caprese is as good as it sounds, a combo of Caprese Salad flavors all stuffed and cooked with chicken breast. So you have the best of both worlds, best of Caprese, and best Chicken recipe! This weeknight dinner wonder will be your favorite potluck, leftover lunch, summer dinner, fancy Italian mood dinner! Video and step by step on preparing the chicken caprese recipe below!
Here’s a secret, we LOVE Caprese and everything about it! Caprese Salad being the classic Italian favorite salad recipe, and then made my famous Caprese Skewers. Caprese Pizza and I can’t tell you how many more delicious ways you can enjoy Caprese Salad flavors into a meal!
What Is Caprese Chicken?
Caprese chicken is a modern Italian American dish inspired by the popular Caprese salad. The dish combines the flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil.
Caprese chicken transforms those ingredients into a warm main course by stuffing and searing or baking those in chicken breasts.
Caprese salad originates from Capri in Italy and the salad represents the colors of the Italian flag and highlights high quality, fresh ingredients. Caprese chicken evolved later in American home kitchens as a protein forward adaptation.
What Does It Tastes Like
- Savory, juicy chicken
- Creamy melted mozzarella
- Bright, slightly acidic tomatoes
- Fresh herbal basil
- Sweet tangy balsamic finish, although authentic Caprese traditionally does not include balsamic glaze, but it has become popular in modern interpretations.
- Balanced, clean, and comforting.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Caprese
- It’s an easy winner winner chicken dinner!
- It has all the flavors of Italy!
- The chicken breasts are so JUICY!!
- Since the chicken is seared, it has an amazing golden crust!
- The caprese chicken has oozing cheese which is so kid friendly!
- The flavor of basil shines throughout the chicken, thanks to fresh basil and Basil Pesto.
- It’s a 30 minute meal start to finish!
- Chicken caprese could be served as is for a terrific dinner! or with a side of a salad, rice or pasta. I would serve this with my Burrata Pasta for an Italian meal experience that’s nothing short of five stars!
Caprese Chicken Ingredients
There’s nothing fancy about these ingredients, yet this recipe is utterly fancy and delicious! You know how they say the simplest pleasures in life are the best–this one of them!!
Note about the basil, since I love growing basil in my garden and enjoy it abundantly all summer long I use fresh basil a lot. However all winter I rely on my homemade basil pesto and it’s a LIFE SAVER!! Can’t urge you enough to make it!
- Chicken breasts. It’s best to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe since it cooks faster and easier to handle and stuff with cheese, basil and tomatoes.
- Cheese. Fresh Mozzarella is the essential to make the classic caprese salad , and even with those Caprese Skewers. You can use semi fresh mozzarella too.
- Fresh Tomatoes. Another essential flavor, I use fresh sliced tomatoes. Seasonal sweet tomatoes are best, you can use full size or small tomatoes like cherry tomatoes.
- Basil. Lots and lots of basil or Basil Pesto if you can’t have fresh, or even better, use a combo! My homemade basil pesto post has a video and detailed steps and tricks to making, string and using basil pesto.
- Seasoning. Kosher salt and black pepper are the only two seasonings you need. You can add Italian seasoning as we did here for extra flavor.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Recipe
There are a few steps here that I wanted to share in step by step along with the video to make it a seriously foolproof chicken recipe that you can enjoy on repeat!!
The first step is preparing the chicken, then comes the assembly and finally cooking/baking chicken caprese.
Prepare The Chicken
Use a super sharp knife here. It’s KEY to slicing the chicken breast in half evenly and smoothly without going al the way through.
You’ll be holding the top of the chicken breast with one hand to secure it in place and secure the knife with other hand. Now slowly slice through the chicken to create a butterflied chicken breast.
Your piece of chicken will look like this, as if it’s mirror imaged. Make sure not to cut all the way through.
If you know me I am ALL for seasoning!! No bland food happening anytime here! So I use the simplest blend of salt, pepper, oregano and garlic powder/granulated powder. This goes on both sides of the chicken.
Now that the chicken is ready, it’s time to assemble.
Assemble Caprese Chicken
Now that the chicken is prepared, you’ll need to assemble the caprese flavors. A hefty layer of slice of mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes slices and fresh basil leaves.
Fold over the other half of the butterflied chicken breast to cover the Caprese filling entirely inside. Don’t worry about it if it looks like it’s not sealed, it will be sealed with toothpicks.
Cooking/Baking Chicken Caprese
You can use olive oil or butter here, I preferred the butter for cooking while I loved the olive oil for drizzling when serving.
Start at the stovetop. Use a heavy skillet or pan that’s oven safe and place the chicken top side down. Sear for 8 minutes until golden over medium-high heat. It won’t cook through yet.
Flip the chicken after 7-8 minutes when it’s golden and well seared on one side. The chicken will continue cooking in the oven so we’re trying to achieve a good crust only!
The chicken will now bake in a 375 degree oven for another 15 minutes max until an internal temperature reached 170 degrees and the mozzarella melts. Remove the skillet from the oven and place them on a serving board.
To Serve
- A good drizzle of QUALITY olive oil ( I love Moroccan olive oil-Mina)
- Dollops of basil pesto
- Sliced baby tomatoes
- Fresh basil chopped
- Chilli flakes (optional)
Cooking Timing & Temperature Guide
- Sear: 6–8 minutes total
- Oven finish: 8–12 minutes
- Cheese melt: 2–3 minutes
- Internal temperature: 165°F final
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
Pro Tips for Chicken CapreseÂ
- Use chicken breasts, boneless and skinless as they cook faster.
- Fresh mozzarella is the best to use here, but semi fresh can work just as well.
- Sweet summer tomatoes–any variety as long as they’re the same size and thinly sliced would work.
- if you don’t have fresh basil on hand, use Basil Pesto.
- Seasoning the chicken before stuffing or searing is KEY to tasty chicken rather than bland.
- Don’t over stuff the chicken breasts as that will make them harder to secure
- Make sure to use toothpicks on a diagonal to secure the filling inside.
- You can sear the chicken in butter or olive oil.
- Flip the chicken when golden and then continue cooking in the oven.
- The chicken will not cook through on the stove top, so make sure to finish cooking it in the oven.
- A final drizzle of olive oil, basil pesto, tomatoes and more basil when cooked, takes the meal to another level!
What is caprese chicken made of?
A classic Italian dish made with chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil and cooked.
What do you serve with caprese?
Salad, sandwich, pasta, beans, rice, croutons and anything you like!
What can I substitute for basil in Caprese salad?
I love basil pesto if basil is unavailable. However if you want to swap the herb completely then I would suggest oregano like this Tomato Salad.
Why is caprese called caprese?
It’s believed that the salad came from the Italian island of Capri and hence the name.
Why is caprese so good?
The combo of flavors is incredible and the tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C and so good for you!
Variations
Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Make the recipe as is, and then cut the chicken and make it into a sandwich with a spread of basil mayo or garlic aioli. So GOOD! Or use leftovers to make a sandwich!
Chicken Caprese Salad
My favorite way to make this is either by making my crowd pleasing Caprese Salad and then slicing this chicken caprese recipe and arranging it with the salad.
Or by making the chicken recipe only and adding it over a bed of arugula/greens, adding more tomatoes and bocconcini cheese. And finally dressing it with a fresh basil vinaigrette which you can find in my Italian Panzanella Salad With Basil Dressing.
Why Is My Caprese Chicken Watery?
This happens when you use fresh Mozzarella as it contains so much moisture, and if the tomatoes have released lots of juice. To avoid this, always pat your cheese before using, and remove some of the tomato seeds before using.
Why Is My Chicken Dry?
If the chicken is dry, you probably have overcooked it, or haven’t sliced it evenly or pounded it well. Always use an oven thermometer and aim to remove the chicken at 160 degrees F, rest for 5 minutes.
Why Is The chicken Bland?
If you haven’t used some garlic powder, oregano or Italian seasoning on the chicken, it could taste a bit bland. Also if you haven’t seared the chicken long enough to have a nice sear n the crust, it could make the chicken taste bland. To avoid this, always season and sear well.
Why Did My Basil Turn Dark?
This could be due to high heat during baking if you’re using only fresh basil leaves. We love using Basil Pesto to avoid this, and add the fresh basil at the end.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate any leftover chicken for up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Reheat gently at 325°F covered loosely with foil.
- Avoid high microwave heat (it dries chicken).
- Freezing not recommended due to tomato and cheese texture.
What temperature should Caprese chicken be cooked to?
165°F final internal temperature.
Can I make Caprese chicken ahead?
Yes. Sear chicken ahead and add toppings before reheating gently.
Is balsamic glaze traditional?
Not traditionally part of Caprese salad, but widely used in modern versions.
Can I grill Caprese chicken?
Yes. Grill until 160°F, add cheese last minute to melt.
What sides go with Caprese chicken?
- Pasta:Spaghetti with Olive oil,Pasta Primavera, Burrata Pasta
- Veggies: Sautéed Green Beans, Maple Glazed Carrots, Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Asparagus
- Salad: Brussel Sprout Salad, Fig Salad, Apple Salad, Broccoli Salad, Burrata Salad
- Bread:Â Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Caprese Recipes
- Caprese Toast
- Pasrty Caprese Bites
- Holiday Caprese wreath
- Caprese Pizza
- Party Caprese Skewers
- Sandiwch :Â Caprese Sandwich
Busy Weeknights Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Spiedini
- Hot Honey Chicken
- Chicken Scallopini
- Orange Chicken
- Chicken Taco Soup
- Sliders chicken
- Chicken Flautas
Chicken Caprese
Chicken Caprese is as good as it sounds--a combo of Caprese Salad flavors all stuffed and cooked with chicken breast. So you have the best of both worlds --best of Caprese, and best Chicken recipe! This weeknight dinner wonder will be your favorite potluck, leftover lunch, summer dinner, fancy Italian mood dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspons oregano
- 2 tablespoons butter
Caprese
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese fresh or semi solid mozzarella is best
- 3 ripe tomatoes on the vine sliced
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon basil pesto optional
- 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes optional
Instructions
-
Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board.
-
Use a sharp knife to cut through the chicken in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
-
This is what the chicken looks like and it's called a butterflied chicken breast.
-
Now you'll need to blend all the seasoning and spices to flavor the chicken.
-
Sprinkle the slices on both sides of the chicken breast.
-
start layering the caprese ingredients. Start with the cheese, followed by the basil and then tomatoes on one half of the chicken breast.
-
Cover the caprese ingredients by folding the other half of the chicken over it.
-
Now use toothpicks and securely close up the open side of the chicken breasts.
-
Place the butter in a heavy duty skillet and melt. Then place the chicken in the hot skillet, top side down until it forms a golden crust. This takes 5-7 minutes.
-
Flip the chicken when golden and cook for another 3-4 minutes before placing the skillet in a preheated 375 degree oven.
-
The chicken will bake in the oven for 15 minutes until cooked through.
-
When ready, drizzle some quality olive oil over the chicken, add some basil pesto, fresh basil and more tomato slices if you need.
-
Enjoy! Cut through and see how juicy and tasty the chicken is
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips for Chicken CapreseÂ
- Use chicken breasts, boneless and skinless as they cook faster.
- Fresh mozzarella is the best to use here, but semi fresh can work just as well.
- Sweet summer tomatoes--any variety as long as they're the same size and thinly sliced would work.
- if you don't have fresh basil on hand, use Basil Pesto.
- Seasoning the chicken before stuffing or searing is KEY to tasty chicken rather than bland.
- Don't over stuff the chicken breasts as that will make them harder to secure
- Make sure to use toothpicks on a diagonal to secure the filling inside.
- You can sear the chicken in butter or olive oil.
- Flip the chicken when golden and then continue cooking in the oven.
- The chicken will not cook through on the stove top, so make sure to finish cooking it in the oven.
- A final drizzle of olive oil, basil pesto, tomatoes and more basil when cooked, takes the meal to another level!
What is caprese chicken made of?
A classic Italian dish made with chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil and cooked.
What do you serve with caprese?
Salad, sandwich, pasta, beans, rice, croutons and anything you like!
What can I substitute for basil in Caprese salad?
I love basil pesto if basil is unavailable. However if you want to swap the herb completely then I would suggest oregano like this Tomato Salad.
Why is caprese called caprese?
It's believed that the salad came from the Italian island of Capri and hence the name.
Why is caprese so good?
The combo of flavors is incredible and the tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C and so good for you!
Variations
Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Make the recipe as is, and then cut the chicken and make it into a sandwich with a spread of basil mayo or garlic aioli. So GOOD! Or use leftovers to make a sandwich!
Chicken Caprese Salad
My favorite way to make this is either by making my crowd pleasing Caprese Salad and then slicing this chicken caprese recipe and arranging it with the salad.
Or by making the chicken recipe only and adding it over a bed of arugula/greens, adding more tomatoes and bocconcini cheese. And finally dressing it with a fresh basil vinaigrette which you can find in my Italian Panzanella Salad With Basil Dressing.
Why Is My Caprese Chicken Watery?
This happens when you use fresh Mozzarella as it contains so much moisture, and if the tomatoes have released lots of juice. To avoid this, always pat your cheese before using, and remove some of the tomato seeds before using.
Why Is My Chicken Dry?
If the chicken is dry, you probably have overcooked it, or haven't sliced it evenly or pounded it well. Always use an oven thermometer and aim to remove the chicken at 160 degrees F, rest for 5 minutes.
Why Is The chicken Bland?
If you haven't used some garlic powder, oregano or Italian seasoning on the chicken, it could taste a bit bland. Also if you haven't seared the chicken long enough to have a nice sear n the crust, it could make the chicken taste bland. To avoid this, always season and sear well.
Why Did My Basil Turn Dark?
This could be due to high heat during baking if you're using only fresh basil leaves. We love using Basil Pesto to avoid this, and add the fresh basil at the end.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate any leftover chicken for up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Reheat gently at 325°F covered loosely with foil.
- Avoid high microwave heat (it dries chicken).
- Freezing not recommended due to tomato and cheese texture.
What temperature should Caprese chicken be cooked to?
165°F final internal temperature.
Can I make Caprese chicken ahead?
Yes. Sear chicken ahead and add toppings before reheating gently.
Is balsamic glaze traditional?
Not traditionally part of Caprese salad, but widely used in modern versions.
Can I grill Caprese chicken?
Yes. Grill until 160°F, add cheese last minute to melt.
What sides go with Caprese chicken?
- Pasta:Spaghetti with Olive oil,Pasta Primavera, Burrata Pasta
- Veggies: Sautéed Green Beans, Maple Glazed Carrots, Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Asparagus
- Salad: Brussel Sprout Salad, Fig Salad, Apple Salad, Broccoli Salad, Burrata Salad
- Bread:Â Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Amazing, tender, and so so flavorful! Can’t wait to make this for company. The presentation is beautiful!
Tried it for dinner last night and it was surprisingly easy to make! Absolutely loved the fresh, bright flavours!
A friend shared your chicken recipe with me. Now I know what was she so excited about, It`s delicious, thanks!
There is hardly a better chicken recipe than chicken caprese. It is bright, juicy and I bet so delightful!
This was such a beautiful light and fresh chicken dish. It has so much flavour too.
This chicken looks amazing! Perfect for a fancy lunch or dinner with a bit of pasta and a salad.
Definitely want to try this on sandwich!
The chicken stayed so juicy! I loved the tomatoes tucked inside!
I am with you- the caprese flavor combo is THE BEST! This recipe is so perfect for summertime. 🙂
This is so good. Perfect for summer nights with lots of great flavors.
Everything chicken works for me! SO excited to try this!
Loved your chicken caprese recipe, and thank you for a video description, so simple to follow!
We had this chicken for dinner last night and my whole family loved it! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Mahy! This recipe is just as delicious as it is gorgeous. I love this one for entertaining. It’s always a hit, and it’s such a showpiece on the plate!
Chicken is my kids favorite meat, so as I assumed, they loved your recipe, thanks!
Such a light and fresh chicken recipe. Even my kids loved it too.