Let me escort you on a culinary journey, that is not only delicious, but also comforting. Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole is the comforting aroma of fresh basil and ripe tomatoes filling your kitchen on a cozy, Sunday evening. With a casserole bubbling in the oven that is warm and golden and cheesy. That's the magic of Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole. It is a casserole that combines the ingredients of a Caprese salad (juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil), with tender, juicy chicken, and is baked to perfection.
So, what makes this recipe so special? The simplicity. You do not have to be a high-end chef to make this dish...it's a one dish, one pot meal that can be made on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. More importantly, it is very popular...whether you are making this casserole for your family, hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week, this casserole seriously never disappoints.
What I love about this recipe is the flexibility it presents. You can easily modify it to meet your preferences - add red pepper flakes for a kick, switch chicken for turkey, or leave the meat out altogether and use tofu or chickpeas instead. No matter what, though, it will retain the essence of Caprese - fresh, colorful, and delicious.
Speaking of being delicious, this casserole also happens to be healthy overall, considering: lean protein from the chicken, antioxidant-rich tomatoes, and healthy fats from olive oil and mozzarella.
So, there you have it! Whether you are an experienced home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole is going to be an easy and delicious meal for you. Now, let's jump in and create some kitchen magic!
Why You Should Try This Amazing Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole
This Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole is the best comfort food with a gourmet twist! This dish is all of the simplicity of casserole mixed with the gourmet delight of a Caprese salad. The great thing about this dish is that it is as easy to prepare as it will be to impress your guests.
What makes this recipe different to me is that it uses fresh quality ingredients, ripe tomatoes, smooth mozzarella cheese and fragrant basil all melded together to create a flavor combination that is both familiar but at the same time delightful. Also the chicken adds substance for a filling meal that requires no sides. All you need is a salad, garlic bread, or maybe a glass of wine.
Another reason to love this casserole is how versatile it is. It's a recipe that you can cater depending on your tastes or what you have on hand; it can also make different dietary needs. Looking for a low carb option? Or maybe gluten free? This recipe can work for that too. Want a vegetarian meal? This recipe could work for that too.
And, let's face it, convenience is key. You can get a tasty, homecooked meal on your table in just a few simple steps. It is a recipe that is ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or to fill your fridge for the week of happy meals ahead.
A Family Favorite: The Backstory of This Recipe
This Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole has become an important meal in our home, and it started as an experiment. One night, I was craving something fresh yet comforting, so I decided to combine a Caprese salad with a familiar chicken casserole. It was an instant hit with my family.
My husband, the meat-and-potatoes type of guy, had more than one helping. He loved the juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. Even my picky eater of a daughter asked for more!
We love this casserole so much that it has become a staple at dinner. It is the dish I make for a delicious and easy dinner, and I take it to potlucks and family gatherings. Each time I make it I think back to that first experiment, and how it brought a little piece of Italy to our home.
Why This Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole
This Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole continues to amaze me for a few reasons. First off, it is easy! You will have a delicious home-cooked meal ready in no time because it requires very few ingredients and minimal prep time. Second, it’s full of flavor! Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are all standard flavors, but together they create something familiar and special at the same time. With chicken, it becomes a filling meal when used as a casserole.
Thirdly, it is adaptable. You can make alterations to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions. If you are eating low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian this recipe will suit all those requirements. Finally, it is a pleaser. It will please anyone you are cooking for. Whether it's for your family, for a dinner party, or for meal preps for the week, this casserole delivers each time.
Suggestions for an Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole
Use fresh and quality ingredients when possible for the best outcome. One of the most important ingredients is fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes, along with creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil.
If you're pressed for time, feel free to use pre-cooked chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken. There will be no need to sear your chicken - you can just go ahead and assembly the casserole in the baking dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
You can use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, instead of mozzarella.
You can also add a layer of cooked pasta or quinoa to make it a truly filling casserole.
Make a Healthier Version
If you're looking for a healthier version, you can use low-fat mozzarella cheese, and you can also reduce the quantity of olive oil. You could even add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for some healthiness boost!
Closing For an Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole
And there it is! An easy to make and tasty casserole that will make its way into your family favorites! We would love to hear how your dish turned out and check out some of our other recipes!
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this Easy Caprese Chicken Casserole. Layers of tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella cheese come together for a simple yet delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings in no time.
Ingredients
Infinitylbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Infinitycups cherry tomatoes, halved
Infinitycups fresh mozzarella, sliced
Infinitycup fresh basil leaves
Infinitytbsp olive oil
Infinitycloves garlic, minced
Infinitytsp salt
Infinitytsp black pepper
Infinitytsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
2
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top with the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and mozzarella slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories2209.01kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat116.59g180%
Saturated Fat40.54g203%
Cholesterol757.56mg253%
Sodium4867.78mg203%
Potassium4966.68mg142%
Total Carbohydrate33.56g12%
Dietary Fiber5.35g22%
Sugars17.39g
Protein249.49g499%
Vitamin A 6269.62 IU
Vitamin C 153.91 mg
Calcium 1310.48 mg
Iron 9.83 mg
Vitamin D 1.8 mcg
Vitamin E 12.13 mg
Vitamin K 151.38 mcg
Thiamin 0.89 mg
Riboflavin 1.71 mg
Niacin 98.43 mg
Vitamin B6 7.52 mg
Folate 146.49 mcg
Vitamin B12 6.92 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 14.14 mg
Phosphorus 2896.72 mg
Magnesium 355.18 mg
Zinc 13 mg
Selenium 332.97 mcg
Copper 0.86 mg
Manganese 1.41 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Emma
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Hello! I’m Emma, the food lover and home chef behind Cuts Food. My passion for cooking started with simple, hearty meals shared around the family table. At Cuts Food, I bring you tried-and-true recipes, kitchen tips, and a love for flavors that inspire.