Love the classic Caprese salad? This version features chicken breasts spread with basil pesto, topped with fresh mozzarella, and baked alongside cherry tomatoes—a perfect, flavorful summer dinner.
If you’d like to serve this with pasta, consider pairing it with homemade tagliatelle for a truly satisfying meal.
This is one of those mostly hands-off recipes I reach for in warm weather. It keeps you out of the heat of the stove while delivering big summer flavors from ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil and creamy mozzarella.
The method is straightforward, but the results are anything but plain. Each bite captures the essence of summer produce, elevated with pesto and a touch of briny capers.
What is Chicken Caprese?
The dish is inspired by the Caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and good olive oil—but turned into a one-pan meal by adding chicken. Combining these elements creates a comforting, Italian-inspired entrée that works well for weeknights and weekend dinners alike.
Because mozzarella is mild and creamy, the chicken benefits from an extra boost of flavor. I like to use basil pesto for that purpose—store-bought works fine if you don’t have homemade pesto on hand. I also finish the dish with capers for a salty, briny contrast that lifts the whole plate.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- This dish works equally well with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For better texture and color, quickly brown the chicken in olive oil before finishing it in the oven.
- You can swap the basil pesto for other varieties—kale pesto or another green pesto will change the flavor profile but still yield delicious results.
- Fresh mozzarella slices give a beautiful melt and texture, but grated mozzarella is a suitable alternative if you prefer.
- I add the capers after baking so they keep a bit of their briny pop rather than drying out in the oven.
- After the chicken is cooked, you’ll find a flavorful pan sauce from the roasted tomatoes. Stir the capers into the pan juices for a simple, rustic sauce to spoon over pasta or the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about Chicken Caprese is that it makes both the protein and a delicious, rustic sauce in a single pan. Once the chicken is finished, transfer it to a plate and keep it covered to stay warm.
Use a potato masher or fork to lightly crush the roasted cherry tomatoes in the pan, then stir in torn basil leaves and the capers. Toss this sauce with your favorite cooked pasta and serve the chicken on top or alongside. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.
More Italian Chicken Recipes
- Classic Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Arrabiata with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs
- Tuscan Chicken with Saffron Cream Sauce
- Chicken Marsala
- Baked Chicken Marinara with Bell Peppers
Basil Pesto Chicken Caprese
Equipment
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Cast iron casserole dish (or an ovenproof skillet)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 500g / 16oz cherry tomatoes
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 125g / 4oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (or grated)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp capers
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked.
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Transfer the chicken to a large baking dish (or keep it in the ovenproof pan). Add the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic and 2 tbsp olive oil to the dish and toss to coat. Place the chicken on top of the tomatoes and spread the basil pesto over each breast. Bake for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
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Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella and return to the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are blistered.
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Optional serving suggestion: Remove the chicken to a plate. Lightly crush the tomatoes with a potato masher, then stir in torn basil and capers. Toss with cooked pasta if desired and serve the chicken on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.