This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner brings a taste of Italy to your weeknight meals in just 30 minutes! Juicy chicken breasts are topped with creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The best part? Everything cooks on one pan, making cleanup a breeze while delivering classic Caprese flavors. It’s an easy, elegant, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Veggies:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices fresh mozzarella

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

• ¼ cup balsamic glaze

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. Add the Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken and toss lightly in the olive oil.

4. Bake: Roast for 20 minutes or until the chicken is almost fully cooked (reaching 160°F/70°C internally).

5. Add the Mozzarella: Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Serve as is or with a side of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 45g

• Sodium: 700mg

Why Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner is So Special

This dish stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and convenience. The Caprese flavors—tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic—are a beloved combination that works beautifully with tender, juicy chicken breasts. The fact that everything cooks on one pan means you spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the meal.

The mozzarella melts over the chicken, adding a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes and fresh basil. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish, making it feel indulgent despite being a healthy, light meal. This is a dish that looks and tastes like you spent much more time on it than you actually did!

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are a lean protein and serve as the base of this dish. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the seasoning, mozzarella, and tomatoes.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness and juiciness to the dish. Roasting them with the chicken enhances their flavor, and they provide a vibrant pop of color.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps coat the chicken and tomatoes, ensuring they don’t dry out during roasting. It also adds a rich flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: These simple seasonings help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and tomatoes, giving the dish a well-balanced taste.

• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is the creamy, melty topping that makes the dish decadent. Its richness balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.

• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to the dish, elevating the flavors and providing a touch of freshness that complements the richness of the mozzarella.

• Balsamic Glaze: The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the richness of the chicken and mozzarella. It enhances the dish with a flavorful finishing touch.

How to Make the Perfect Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner

This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This ensures the chicken and tomatoes don’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup easier.

2. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the chicken is well-coated on all sides.

3. Add the Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts. Toss them lightly in the olive oil and seasoning for even coverage.

4. Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is almost fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The chicken should be juicy and slightly golden on the outside.

5. Add the Mozzarella: Once the chicken is almost cooked, place a slice of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Garnish & Serve: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately as is, or pair it with a side of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best results, use fresh mozzarella that can melt easily and create a creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella, as it may not melt as well.

• Check the Chicken’s Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for optimal juiciness and food safety.

• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences. You can add red pepper flakes for some heat or swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.

• Roast the Tomatoes Longer for More Flavor: If you want to deepen the flavor of the tomatoes, let them roast for a bit longer (up to 25 minutes) for a more caramelized taste.

• Meal Prep Tip: This dish is great for meal prepping. You can prepare everything in advance, refrigerate the components, and roast them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions for Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner

• With Pasta: Serve with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, to make the meal more filling. The balsamic glaze is delicious when mixed with pasta.

• With Rice: Pair the chicken with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and tomatoes.

• With Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, to the sheet pan for a complete meal in one.

• Side Salad: Serve the chicken with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a light, refreshing accompaniment.

Nutritional Information for Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner

Each serving of Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken contains approximately 350 calories, with 18 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat. The dish provides 7 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of sugar. Each serving is packed with 45 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and well-balanced meal. It also contains 700 mg of sodium, which is typical for a savory dish seasoned with soy sauce or similar ingredients.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Dinner is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of Caprese with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all topped with a tangy balsamic glaze, creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or special dinners, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal!