Crispy Chicken Caprese a delightful dish combining crispy, golden chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Crispy Chicken Caprese because it’s a wonderful blend of textures and fresh flavors. The chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Adding fresh mozzarella and tomatoes brings a creamy, refreshing element that balances the savory crust. The basil and balsamic glaze add an aromatic and tangy finish that elevates the dish to something special without much fuss. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic Italian flavor combination in a simple, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 large tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove the skillet from heat. Top each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella and tomato.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, making the total time roughly 35 minutes. This makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner when I want something flavorful but quick to prepare.
Variations
For a lower-carb option, I skip the breadcrumbs and simply season the chicken before baking it with toppings.
Sometimes I swap the mozzarella for burrata to make it extra creamy.
Adding a layer of prosciutto under the cheese adds a salty, savory twist that I really enjoy.
I occasionally toss some arugula with lemon juice and olive oil as a fresh side salad to serve alongside.
If I want more heat, I sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm the chicken in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Microwaving works too but can soften the crust.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but I recommend thawing them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper crispiness.
What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?
A simple balsamic reduction or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar mixed with a bit of honey works well as a substitute.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
I like to prep the chicken coating and slice the cheese and tomatoes ahead, but I assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since panko breadcrumbs contain gluten. I substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or when juices run clear and it’s no longer pink inside.
Conclusion
I find Crispy Chicken Caprese to be a perfect mix of crispy, fresh, and savory flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s a dish that feels a bit fancy but is simple enough to make any night of the week. Whether I’m cooking for family or guests, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone wanting more.
📖 Recipe:
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Crispy Chicken Caprese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delightful dish combining crispy, golden chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 large tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Top each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella and tomato.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
For a lower-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs and simply season the chicken before baking with toppings.
Swap mozzarella for burrata for extra creaminess.
Add a layer of prosciutto under the cheese for a salty, savory twist.
Serve with a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Add crushed red pepper flakes before baking for heat.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
