Baked Caprese Chicken (+ Best Side Dishes)

Caprese chicken is a simple and satisfying Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy baked chicken breasts topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This easy one-pan dinner brings all the fresh flavors of a Caprese salad to your main course—and we’re also sharing the best side dishes for Caprese chicken to help you round out the perfect meal.

Caprese salad is a beloved Italian classic from the island of Capri, made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. We love that combo so much, we turned it into dinner! This baked Caprese chicken is packed with flavor, made with just a few wholesome ingredients, and comes together in one skillet.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed weeknight meal or hosting guests, this dish delivers every time. In this post, we’ll walk you through the recipe and share the best side dishes for Caprese chicken—from fresh salads and veggie sides to cozy grains and breads.

Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and fun flavor variations!

Jump to:

• Ingredients You’ll Need
• When Are Tomatoes in Season?
• How to Make This Baked Caprese Chicken
• Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
• How to Cater for Guests with Dietary Needs
• Best Sides for Caprese Chicken
• How to Turn This Caprese Chicken into an Italian Dinner Party Feast
• Wine Pairings for Caprese Chicken
• Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
• Join Our Newsletter
• FAQ's
• More Italian Recipes
• Baked Caprese Chicken (+ Best Side Dishes)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at what goes into this baked Caprese chicken—and why each ingredient matters:

• Organic chicken breasts – Chicken is a great source of lean protein, always use organic or free-range chicken if possible. 
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the richness of the cheese and pesto.
• Italian seasoning – A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the dish together.
• Olive oil – Helps with browning and adds heart-healthy fats. Read about the health benefits here.
• Cherry tomatoes – Choose vine-ripened if available; they roast into sweet, blistered bites.
• Bocconcini (mozzarella pearls) – These melt gently into the hot skillet, adding creaminess to every bite.
• Basil pesto – Adds a herby punch. We use our homemade basil pesto.
• Balsamic glaze – A sweet, tangy finish. You can use store-bought or our easy balsamic glaze recipe.
• Fresh basil leaves – For a final pop of color and flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities.

When Are Tomatoes in Season?

Tomatoes are one of those ingredients I can’t live without—I love them in all shapes and forms, from fresh salads to rich pasta sauces. Cherry tomatoes are generally available year-round, but they’re at their absolute best from late spring through early fall when they’re sweetest and most flavorful.

Want to learn more about when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season. Check out the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.

How to Make This Baked Caprese Chicken

Tested in our kitchen and loved by our readers—this recipe is easy, flavorful, and makes the house smell amazing!

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
• Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You may need to do this in two batches depending on skillet size.

• Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, nestling them around the chicken. Drizzle with a little olive oil. 

Chef’s Tip: We like using tomatoes on the vine if available, apart from the delicious tomato flavor that the vine gives it also looks so pretty.

• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 73°C / 165°F) and the tomatoes are blistered.

Chef’s Tip: For the juiciest results, take the chicken out of the oven when it reaches around 70°C (162°F) and let it rest for a few minutes in the hot skillet. The residual heat (carryover cooking) will bring it up to a safe temperature 73°C (165°F) while keeping the meat tender and moist.

• Remove from the oven add the bocconcini and spoon over the basil pesto. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and scatter with fresh basil leaves.
• Serve warm, spooning some of the pan juices over each portion.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? This dish is super flexible. Here are some tasty ideas to customize your Caprese chicken:

• Swap bocconcini for sliced fresh mozzarella or even burrata for a creamier twist.
• Tuck in slices of roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.
• Add a layer of prosciutto over the chicken before baking for an extra savory touch.
• Use heirloom cherry tomatoes in a variety of colors for a gorgeous, vibrant finish.
• Drizzle with chili oil or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

How to Cater for Guests with Dietary Needs

Planning a dinner party or feeding a crowd? Here’s how to make it work for everyone:

• Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free—just double check store-bought pesto and balsamic glaze labels.
• Low-carb: Skip any bread-based sides and pair it with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.
• Dairy-free: Omit the mozzarella and pesto (or use dairy-free alternatives) and add fresh herbs and a splash of lemon instead.
• Nut-free: Keep the pesto on the side or make or buy nut-free pesto—many brands offer sunflower seed or pumpkin seed versions. 

Best Sides for Caprese Chicken

A great side dish can take this Caprese chicken from simple to show-stopping. Here are our favorite ways to round out the meal.

Vegetable Sides

Fresh veggie sides balance the richness of mozzarella and pesto. Try roasted asparagus with lemon zest, zucchini fries (oven-baked or air fried), or green beans almondine for a crisp contrast. Mediterranean vegetable casserole, stuffed bell peppers, or sautéed spinach add hearty, flavorful variety. You can also go light with grilled veggie skewers, roasted cauliflower, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles.

Potato Side Dishes

For something cozy and crowd-pleasing, serve crispy baked wedges, garlic and rosemary roast potatoes, or Greek lemon potatoes. If you’re after something creamy, try potatoes au gratin or olive oil mashed potatoes for a lighter take.

Pasta and Grain Sides

These soak up the pan juices beautifully. We love our Parmesan and Herb Orzo, but quinoa, creamy polenta, and polenta fries are also great. Other options include pasta with Napolitana sauce, basmati rice, pesto pasta, and Parmesan risotto.

Bread

Mop up those pan juices with garlic bread, cheesy garlic ciabatta, or homemade focaccia. For an easy, rustic option, go with no-knead artisan bread—it’s always a hit.

Fresh Salads

Light, crisp salads are the perfect finishing touch. Try cucumber salad with red onion, arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, Mediterranean pasta salad, or a cannellini bean salad with lemon vinaigrette.

How to Turn This Caprese Chicken into an Italian Dinner Party Feast

This baked Caprese chicken makes a stunning centerpiece for a relaxed Italian-inspired dinner party. Just add a few small bites and a sweet finish to complete the experience.

• Appetizers: Start with an antipasti platter filled with olives, cheeses, and cured meats. Add some bruschetta with tomato and basil, or a rustic charcuterie board for easy grazing. Want to stay on theme? Serve Caprese Skewers as a fun, handheld starter.
• Desserts: Classic Italian treats like tiramisu, panna cotta, or an affogato with amaretti biscuits are always a hit. Or try our no-bake cheesecake, lemon olive oil cake, or creamy pistachio gelato

Wine Pairings for Caprese Chicken

Looking for the perfect wine to pair with your Caprese chicken? These options highlight the dish’s fresh, vibrant flavors:

• Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy, it complements the tomato and basil beautifully.
• Pinot Grigio – Light and refreshing with subtle floral notes; a classic Italian pairing.
• Rosé – Chilled and dry, it strikes a perfect balance between red and white—great for entertaining.
• Pinot Noir – A light red with soft tannins that won’t overpower the mozzarella or tomatoes.
• Chianti – Earthy and herbaceous, this Tuscan red pairs nicely if you're leaning into a fuller Italian spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Caprese chicken is best served fresh, but here’s how to store and enjoy any leftovers.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Make Ahead and Meal Prep Instructions: You can season and sear the chicken up to a day in advance. Keep it chilled, then finish baking just before serving. Pesto and balsamic glaze can also be made ahead.
• Not Freezer Friendly: Due to the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, this dish does not freeze well and may become watery upon reheating.
• How to Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 160°C (325°F) oven until heated through. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
• Ways to Use Leftovers: Shred or slice leftover chicken into a Caprese chicken panini, wrap it in a tortilla with arugula, toss it into a salad, or stir into pasta with extra pesto.

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FAQ's

More Italian Recipes

Love this recipe? Try some of our other Italian-inspired dishes to complete your weeknight rotation or dinner party menu:

We hope this Baked Caprese Chicken becomes a new favorite in your summer dinner rotation! It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight—yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Don’t forget to try one (or two!) of the best side dishes for Caprese chicken we’ve shared to create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and tell us how you served it—or what sides you paired it with. And don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.