Caprese Chicken Thighs (One Pan)
Juicy, protein-forward Caprese chicken thighs baked with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a light balsamic glaze. A simple one-pan dinner made with real ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ tsp salt for seasoning chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for searing
- Sauce & Topping:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp pesto sauce optional, for extra flavor
- 2 large tomatoes sliced into ¼-inch rounds (or 1½ cups cherry tomatoes)
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella sliced or torn
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with ½ tsp salt. Sear for 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden on the outside (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, basil, and oregano.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish (or use the same skillet if oven-safe), layer tomatoes on the bottom. Spread pesto over tomatoes if using.
- Arrange chicken thighs over the tomatoes. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Top with sliced fresh mozzarella.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Boneless skinless thighs stay juicier than chicken breast and are harder to overcook.
- Fresh mozzarella releases moisture, which helps create a light sauce in the pan.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the balsamic mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Great for meal prep - stores well for 3-4 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 702mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 619IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 2mg
