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You are here: Home / Recipes / Caprese Chicken

By Karina 59 Comments Filed Under: Chicken

Caprese Chicken

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Baked Caprese Chicken Thighs cooked right in a sweet, garlic balsamic glaze with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese!

Caprese Chicken made over with juicy baked chicken thighs! Many Caprese Chicken recipes I have found over the last few months call for searing chicken with salt and pepper and adding vinegar right at the end. But, why? This recipe is different.

balsamic-glazed-caprese-chicken | cafedelites.com

Baked Chicken Thighs

I love the amazing flavour of baked chicken thighs in a sweet balsamic gaze… it has to be the best of all baked chicken recipes. PLUS, adding mozzarella and basil into that mix? Well.

Caprese Chicken cooked right in a sweet, garlic balsamic glaze with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese! | cafedelites.com

What is Caprese

A traditional simple and flavourful Italian appetiser, a Caprese Salad (Insalata Caprese) consists of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt. With this recipe, we are adding baked chicken thighs and a tonne of flavour.

I hope you’re not getting sick of seeing Caprese around here. The Caprese Deep Dish Mini Pizzas and Caprese Frittata were so good. Not to mention those Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos. But it was time for chicken, and this Caprese recipe is SO EASY. One of the EASIEST and TASTIEST recipes on this whole entire blog.

How To Make Chicken Caprese

First, we sear our chicken in oregano and basil (or you can use Italian seasoning), salt and pepper, until golden on both sides. (It won’t be cooked through, but we finish cooking them in the oven).

Next, fry the garlic until fragrant. Mmmmm, garlic smells.

balsamic-glazed-caprese-chicken | cafedelites.com

Balsamic Vinegar and Brown Sugar

This is where all the flavour comes from. The sauce gets absorbed into the chicken as it cooks and creates the most amazing flavour. Stir both to combine well and allow to simmer until thickened. Don’t get your face close to the pan though. The strong smell can burn your eyes.

Add the chicken back into the pan, rotating to coat in the glaze and place into the oven and continue baking in the oven until cooked through and succulent. Place your mozzarella slices on each thigh and bake in the oven for a further 5 minutes.

balsamic-glazed-caprese-chicken | cafedelites.com

So good you’ll want it straight out of the pan. And that SAUCE is extremely addicting! You have been warned. Top with shredded basil and a few fresh tomatoes and don’t forget to share it with whoever you’re cooking for.

WATCH US MAKE Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken RIGHT HERE!


Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

Caprese Chicken cooked right in a sweet, garlic balsamic glaze with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese!
ORIGINAL RECIPE BY KARINA, CAFEDELITES ©
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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 1 hr
Serves: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 6 skinless , bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano*
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil*
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • cracked black pepper , to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or a light spray of cooking oil spray)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar , packed
  • 1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes , divided
  • 8 0z (250 g) fresh mozzarella cheese (or Bocconcini), cut into 6x 1/2-inch slices**
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves , chiffonade

Balsamic Glaze: (Optional To Serve)

  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar , packed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 210°C | 410°F.
  • Season each chicken thigh with the oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil (or cooking spray) in a large oven-proof pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes each side. Transfer chicken to a plate; drain most of the excess oil, leaving about a teaspoon worth.
  • Return the skillet back to the stove; fry garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the vinegar and brown sugar; stirring to combine while heating through. Bring to a simmer, while stirring occasionally, until glaze has thickened (about 5-6 minutes).
  • Return the chicken to the pan, turning in the glaze to evenly coat. Add 1 cup of the tomatoes, whole, around the chicken and place the chicken into the oven. Bake until the chicken is completely cooked through (about 30 minutes). Top each chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese; return back into the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
  • Slice the remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes in half; place them on top of the cheese; pour over some of the balsamic sauce from the pan and garnish with basil. Serve immediately.

Optional:

  • If wanting to serve with extra balsamic glaze (as pictured above), make your glaze while the chicken is in the oven. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small pot and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, allowing to simmer while stirring occasionally, until the glaze is thickened and reduced by half (about 5-6 minutes). Drizzle over the chicken when ready to serve.

Notes

*You can substitute oregano and basil for Italian seasoning or pizza topper if that is what you have on hand.
**For my Australian followers, I find fresh Bocconcini in the deli section in Woolworths. I used 2 large balls, both 125 g each. You can use the smaller ones if that's all you can find.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 761mg | Potassium: 455mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 670IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 259mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Caprese Chicken cooked right in a sweet, garlic balsamic glaze with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese! | https://cafedelites.com

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. COURTNEY says

    December 19, 2020 at 11:55 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite recipes. I make it exactly as described and its always a hit. The one difference I guess I do make is that I dont add the tomatoes on top after. I just add them all in when I bake it so that they are all caramelized and delicious.

    Reply
  2. Suzanne McSpadden says

    July 02, 2020 at 3:18 am

    5 stars
    I add my raves to others’ above- this was lick-the-platter-clean delicious. I used boneless thighs, so reduced the cooking time to about 6 minutes browning and 15 minutes oven time.I served it over egg noodles, great in the sauce. Definitely recommend.

    Reply
  3. Courtney says

    May 25, 2020 at 9:58 am

    This is phenomenal. Will be making this again soon!!!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 28, 2020 at 2:19 am

      I don’t have mozz cheese but I have goat cheese. do you think that’ll be a good substitute?

      Reply
  4. Jessica W. says

    April 27, 2020 at 8:58 am

    5 stars
    OMG YUMMMMMM! I used boneless skinless chicken breast, cut thin so I didn’t change the cooking time and it was perfect. I served it with parmesan risotto. SO DELICIOUS! I wish I had doubled it to have more leftovers!!!

    Reply
  5. Mrs.King.Mrs.King says

    January 13, 2020 at 2:16 am

    5 stars
    Oh M to the G!!! This was amazing!!! My family loved it so much that they requested it again for dinner tonight. So ready for dinner time!!

    Reply
  6. Kelly Taylor says

    September 18, 2019 at 11:44 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing!!! I love balsamic but this takes it to a whole new level.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      January 22, 2020 at 9:59 am

      This recipe rocks made it for the 2nd time in 2 weeks tonight! This time added more tomatoes and doubled the balsamic sauce – sooooooo good and fancy enough for company too

      Reply
  7. Michael says

    May 10, 2019 at 1:38 am

    5 stars
    This dish is absolutely delicious. Our family favorite chicken recipe. Easy to make and tastes divine!

    Reply
  8. Carmen says

    February 14, 2019 at 2:42 am

    Loved this recipe. I accidentally defrosted breasts which still came out great but I think I prefer the thighs making the chicken more moist. My sauce turned out perfect after letting it bubble mych linger and adding more and mire brown sugar. Yummy

    Reply
  9. Rebecca says

    January 23, 2019 at 10:22 am

    5 stars
    Hello,

    I just have to say this recipe has become a weekly staple for my boyfriend and I! We can’t get enough of how easy and delicious this is, however my basalmic glaze never seems to really thicken up, and I’m wondering what I’m doing wrong?? I had left the basalmic and brown Sugar in my pan for quite a while and let it bubble, however it’s not turning into that thick syrup like glaze I’m trying to achieve.. any tips??

    Thank you so much in advance! Warmly,

    -Rebecca

    Reply
  10. Christine says

    December 28, 2018 at 1:31 am

    Hi Sherry. Cooking this tomorrow. What do you recommend to serve with it?

    Reply
  11. Nancy Jo says

    September 19, 2018 at 9:34 pm

    5 stars
    OMG I love love this Recipe!!!! and my family’s New Favorite!!!! I HAVE to now make this once a week or I will be let known if I don’t!!!!! Perfect to a T!!!! I first Used Bone in Thighs and The meat fell right of the bone and was perfect, next time I used flattened chicken breast which was good too and then next used pork chops omg what a hit each time, and I did not change any other part of the recipe.. My daughter does not even like sauce of any kinda and she kept dipping her chicken in the sauce!!! and For Her to do That you know its got to be AMAZING, Well It is, thank you so much for Our NEW family Favorite!!! Oh SOOOOOOO Yummy

    Reply
  12. Dolly says

    September 12, 2018 at 10:29 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe, I wouldn’t change a thing. I came out great. One of my husbands new favorites.

    Reply
  13. Lisa says

    September 01, 2018 at 1:11 am

    5 stars
    This was a delicious recipe. I was a little skeptical at first with the balsamic glaze but the chicken turned out very tender and moist. I’ll definitely keep it in my collection.

    Reply
  14. Karen says

    August 18, 2018 at 1:07 am

    5 stars
    OMG…..I made this last night. Can I say delish!!!

    Reply
  15. Izzy8817 says

    August 15, 2018 at 1:29 am

    5 stars
    i missed the “bone in” part and used boneless skinless chicken thighs. it still came out wonderful & i didn’t adjust the cooking times at all. I was so worried it wouldn’t taste as good as it smelled but it did!. everyone loved it and has been requesting I make it again and again. i can’t wait to try other Caprese recipes from this site!

    Reply
  16. Alexis says

    June 20, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    I made it tonight! So juicy, easy and delicious. All of your recipes are fairly simple and packed with flavor

    Reply
    • Karina says

      June 22, 2018 at 5:59 pm

      That is great to hear! I am so happy it turned out so well. Thank you for sharing and following along with me! XO

      Reply
  17. Carol says

    June 06, 2018 at 7:47 am

    5 stars
    This is an amazing recipe. Great flavor and super easy to make. Will make again. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Karina says

      June 06, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      That is great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing! XO

      Reply
  18. Leanne says

    May 22, 2018 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    OMG… this is the best thing ever.. sweet.. tangy… I grow my own basil hydroponically, and it just make this dish sing even louder! LOVE it… LOVE IT.. LOVE IT, and so does everyone I’ve ever made it for?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      May 23, 2018 at 2:34 pm

      Way cool! That is awesome that you grow your own herbs. Thank you for sharing and following along with me! I am so glad that this chicken was more than you were expecting!

      Reply
  19. Renee says

    March 14, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    There is a Facebook page that is using your photo and claiming they have the “paleo” recipe if you buy their book. I suggest reporting them, it’s called The Paleo Recipe Cookbook – Cheap and Easy.

    Reply
    • Karina says

      March 16, 2018 at 5:02 pm

      Oh thank you so much sweetheart! That is so kind of you! I will look into this and see what I can do. Thank you very much for your support and love!

      Reply
  20. Kristie says

    February 22, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    I really want to try this but my fiance doesn’t eat anything with a bone in it specially chicken. Can I use breast instead? If so how much (I’m in Australia) and what would I need to change time wise in the recipe?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      February 25, 2018 at 4:52 am

      Yes, of course! You would need to cook it a bit longer! It will still taste fantastic! He will love this chicken!

      Reply
  21. Barry Lilien says

    January 08, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    I cook just for myself so I heat up a lot of food. Mozzarella and balsamic glaze become solidified in the microwave! What’s the best way to heat this? Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Angela says

    September 16, 2017 at 10:53 am

    This looks so amazing and I can’t wait to try it! Do you have any thoughts on adding baby spinach toward the end, making it a complete meal?

    Reply
  23. Sarah says

    July 25, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this in the past and it was absolutely fantastic. Realized I didn’t have an oven proof pan so had to transfer to baking dish. Has anyone made this with a cast iron pan? How did it turn out or do you have recommendations for using one with this recipe?

    Reply
  24. Sarah says

    June 13, 2017 at 10:50 am

    5 stars
    This was really good! I followed the recipe exactly and the chicken turned out moist and really tasty. I did not do the extra glaze at the end, but next time I make this, I will. Zero complaints, and my entire family ate it, bonus points that it was a one pot dish. I served with asparagus and roasted root vegetables.

    Reply
  25. Caitlin says

    May 31, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    So yummy! My boyfriend loved it and went back for seconds.

    Reply
  26. Kristie says

    May 24, 2017 at 4:13 am

    Made this for my family and we loved it!!!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      May 25, 2017 at 10:22 pm

      Kristie I’m so happy to hear that!

      Reply
  27. KG says

    May 12, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tonight after seeing it posted an FB and it was DELICIOUS!!! My kids loved it too. A gem to add to the recipe binder. Thank you!!

    Reply
  28. Joan says

    May 08, 2017 at 9:54 am

    5 stars
    Based on reviews, I made this tonight for the first time for guests!! It was fabulous! I can’t remember a time when everyone raved about chicken. Thanks so much for this recipe. It will definitely be in my rotation.

    Reply
  29. Christi says

    April 26, 2017 at 7:44 am

    Looks so delicious!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      April 26, 2017 at 8:28 am

      Thanks Christi!

      Reply
  30. Maureen Knight says

    April 13, 2017 at 2:02 am

    5 stars
    Karina,

    I made this last night and husband couldn’t get enough of it!! TRULY AMAZING! DELICIOUS AND SO EASY TO MAKE! This will definitely go into the “must have” meals to make! Thank you!!

    Reply
  31. Stephanie says

    April 12, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    Is this a sweet tasting chicken? I really want to try it but don’t like sweet chicken. Or is there a substitute for the brown sugar that will make it more savory than sweet?? Thanks!

    Reply
  32. Stephanie O says

    April 06, 2017 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    Karina, this recipe is WONDERFUL – truly “restaurant quality!” I started by sauteeing white and baby bella mushrooms in garlic and herbs, then set them aside while cooking the chicken. I used breasts, TRIPLED the glaze, and after the chicken was cooked through returned them to the pan along with the cut tomatoes and let the flavors simmer and meld together – HEAVEN! Dill mashed potatoes and Italian green beans rounded out the meal, and my husband insists this now be in our regular meal rotation. Thank you for sharing this – 5 STARS!!!

    Reply
  33. Karen K. says

    April 03, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Linda, it says in the directions 410 deg F for approx 30 minutes.

    Reply
  34. Lisa C says

    March 29, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    5 stars
    I’m not a skilled cook so most recipes take me a couple of attempts to master, but I nailed this one on the first try. The tomatoes were SO GOOD after soaking up the balsamic while in the oven and my husband raved about this dish! Absolutely can’t wait to make it again. Thank you for this amazing recipe!

    Reply
  35. Ashley says

    March 28, 2017 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    Found the link to this recipe via Facebook and decided to give it a try when I came home from work. The amount of flavor is amazing! Definitely making this again!

    Reply
  36. Linda says

    March 25, 2017 at 9:20 am

    What often temp and for how long?
    Thanks. Can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  37. Olivia says

    March 21, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    The best ever chicken! 10 thumbs up!

    Reply
  38. Kimberly says

    March 16, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    I’m on weight watchers, made a few adjustments (in the amount of oil and cheese) and it was a delicious 7 pt. meal that my entire family enjoyed!

    Reply
  39. Alice says

    February 15, 2017 at 11:23 pm

    The BEST! So delicious thank you Karina!

    Reply
  40. Candy says

    October 23, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Hi Karina, I have a bottle of balsamic glaze on hand. Can I use that?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      October 24, 2016 at 10:40 am

      Hi Candy. You can but you may need to omit the sugar in the recipe 🙂

      Reply
  41. Sherene says

    October 16, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    OMG!! So delicious and really easy to make…I didn’t use the mozzarella…will post a pic the next time I make it, which is going to be very soon.

    Reply
  42. Karina says

    September 13, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    I’m so happy to hear that Christine!

    Reply
  43. Trish says

    August 26, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    What would youbserve this neal with?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      September 01, 2016 at 7:04 am

      Hi Trish! I love this with mashed potatoes! Pasta is good too, as is rice.

      Reply
  44. Theresa says

    August 11, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    I used chicken breasts (because that’s what I had on hand) and this was fantastic! Came together fast enough for a weeknight dinner, but it’s tasty enough for company. Thank you for a delicious recipe!

    Reply
  45. Michelle says

    July 09, 2016 at 11:49 am

    Oh my yummy goodness! This is definitely in my family’s top 5 favs! Absolutely delish. Followed recipe exact except I used chicken breasts. Thank you!

    Reply
  46. Monika says

    June 20, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    My family loved this recipe. It was so tasty. Will do it again for sure.

    Reply
  47. Sherry says

    June 09, 2016 at 3:31 am

    Would this recipe work with chicken breasts? How much shorter would the cooking time be? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      June 09, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Sherry. Yes it will! You don’t need to oven bake them if using breasts. Just continue cooking in the balsamic glaze (a further 5-7 minutes after browning first) until cooked through!

      Reply

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