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Easy Low Carb Caprese Chicken Bake Recipe for Quick Italian Dinners

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A quick and easy low carb Caprese chicken bake featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, baked to perfection for a satisfying Italian-inspired weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170g each)
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • 2 large ripe Roma or vine tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped or whole
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, rosemary blend)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish or sheet pan.
  4. Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly over each chicken breast.
  5. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until the chicken starts turning opaque and firm but is not fully cooked and the tomatoes soften.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven. Layer fresh mozzarella slices over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with chopped basil. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and slightly golden. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for bubbly cheese, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and drizzle 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar over the dish.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Add fresh mozzarella in the last few minutes of baking to prevent rubbery texture. Pat mozzarella dry if watery to avoid sogginess. Flipping chicken halfway through initial bake can help even cooking but is optional. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives. Leftovers reheat best in oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent tough chicken and rubbery cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: low carb, Caprese chicken, chicken bake, Italian dinner, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-low-carb-caprese-chicken-bake-recipe-for-quick-italian-dinners/