Name: Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 skinless bone-in chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 pinch cracked black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or a light spray of cooking oil spray; 2 tablespoons garlic minced; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar packed; 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, divided; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese or Bocconcini, cut into 6 slices approximately 1/2-inch thick; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chiffonade; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both elegant and easy, you’ve got to try this Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the juicy chicken thighs get infused with the sweet-tangy balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes burst with flavor, and gooey mozzarella melts beautifully on top—it’s like eating a little Italian masterpiece at home. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The balsamic glaze brings a lovely tangy sweetness that complements the savory chicken and fresh mozzarella.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy items—just pantry basics plus fresh mozzarella and basil.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, especially when the cheese melts just right!
Great for Busy Weeknights: It’s straightforward to prepare but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The image shows grilled chicken pieces topped with smooth, white melted cheese. Each chicken piece is dark brown with grill marks and herbs visible on the surface. On top of the cheese layer, there are halved cherry tomatoes that are bright red and glossy. Thin strips of fresh green basil leaves are scattered over the tomatoes, adding a fresh touch. There is a shiny glaze or sauce around the chicken, making the dish look moist. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze, Easy Balsamic Chicken, Italian Chicken Dinner, Quick Caprese Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create that classic Caprese vibe with a balsamic twist. When shopping, I always opt for fresh mozzarella if I can, and ripe, sweet grape tomatoes really make a difference.

Flat lay of six raw skinless bone-in chicken thighs arranged neatly, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of dried basil, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a small white bowl of cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a cluster of whole fresh grape tomatoes, six slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, and a small white bowl filled with fresh chiffonade basil leaves, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze, Easy Balsamic Chicken, Italian Chicken Dinner, Quick Caprese Chicken Recipe

Skinless bone-in chicken thighs: I love thighs for their juicy flavor and tenderness, but bone-in gives better depth of flavor when cooking.
Dried oregano and dried basil: These Italian herbs add that signature Mediterranean touch; if you prefer, Italian seasoning can also work here.
Salt and cracked black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
Olive oil or cooking oil spray: Olive oil adds richness, but cooking spray works well if you’re watching calories.
Garlic (minced): Garlic’s aroma fills the kitchen and complements balsamic perfectly.
Balsamic vinegar: This is the star of the glaze and sauce—choose a good quality balsamic for the best flavor.
Brown sugar: It balances balsamic’s acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Grape or cherry tomatoes: Their burst of juiciness brightens each bite beautifully.
Fresh mozzarella cheese or Bocconcini: This soft, mild cheese melts into pillows of creamy goodness.
Fresh basil leaves (chiffonade): Basil adds that fresh herbal note that ties everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what the family’s craving. Don’t be afraid to personalize—it’s a forgiving recipe!

Herb swaps: I sometimes swap oregano and basil for Italian seasoning when I’m running low; it still tastes great and saves prep time.
Cheese alternatives: If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can use sliced provolone or even shredded mozzarella—though fresh melts best.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little kick, which my husband particularly enjoys.
Veggie boost: Throw in some sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers around the chicken before baking for extra color and nutrients.

How to Make Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken

First things first: Preheat your oven to 210°C (410°F). Season the chicken thighs generously with dried oregano, basil, salt, and cracked pepper. I find that making sure the seasoning covers every nook ensures maximum flavor later on. Heat your olive oil (or use cooking spray) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown—about 4 minutes per side. This step locks in those wonderful juices. When your chicken has that beautiful crust, transfer it to a plate and drain most of the oil, leaving about a teaspoon in the pan.

Step 2: Create the Balsamic Garlic Glaze

Next, toss that minced garlic into the skillet and sauté just until fragrant, roughly a minute—watch closely so it doesn’t burn, because burnt garlic can ruin the glaze. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle the brown sugar over it. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep stirring occasionally, letting it bubble away gently until it thickens nicely, about 5–6 minutes. This glaze is where all that sweet and tangy magic happens.

Step 3: Bake with Tomatoes and Cheese

Return your chicken to the pan and coat it well with the glaze by turning each piece in it. Nestle your whole grape tomatoes around the chicken—about one cup first. Pop the skillet straight into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, add a slice of fresh mozzarella on each chicken thigh and slide it back into the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

Slice the remaining half-cup of tomatoes in half and place them over the melted mozzarella. Drizzle some of the pan’s balsamic sauce over everything, then sprinkle on your fresh chiffonade of basil. Serve immediately—this is when the dish looks absolutely gorgeous and tastes even better!

Optional: While your chicken bakes, you can make extra balsamic glaze to drizzle over the top when serving. Just bring 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a boil in a small pot, then simmer until thickened—about 5 to 6 minutes.

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Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken first not only adds flavor but also keeps it juicy inside; take your time here!
Watch the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness—you’ll want that gorgeous aroma but no burnt taste.
Glaze Consistency: Let the glaze thicken well before adding the chicken back so it clings beautifully and doesn’t stay too runny.
Cheese Placement: Add mozzarella near the end of baking to avoid overcooking and make sure it melts evenly without drying out.

How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe

Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh basil chiffonade because it adds a pop of bright green color and herbal freshness. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the cheese for extra flavor contrast. If you want, a quick drizzle of extra balsamic glaze right before serving really makes it shine.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with light sides like garlic roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to keep things fresh. Creamy mashed potatoes or even a bed of fluffy couscous soak up the beautiful balsamic glaze and make the meal feel complete. For a low-carb option, sautéed zucchini ribbons work like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love plating this chicken atop slices of toasted garlic bread or a warm polenta cake to soak up all the sauce. Garnishing with edible flowers like nasturtiums adds a lovely visual wow. Also, layering the chicken with tomato slices and mozzarella like a rustic tart sometimes turns it into an impressive centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the texture nice, I separate the chicken from the tomatoes and mozzarella whenever possible. The glaze tends to thicken as it cools, so just a quick reheat with a splash of water helps loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and glaze separately from the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for best texture. When thawing, allow it to come to room temperature before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven. I’ve found that fresh mozzarella doesn’t freeze as well, so it’s best to add it fresh each time.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Covering the pan helps the mozzarella regain some softness. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the chicken rubbery and cheese grainy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking since boneless meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is fresh mozzarella essential, or can I use shredded mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella is preferred because it melts beautifully and gives you that creamy texture, but shredded mozzarella can work in a pinch. Just know it won’t have quite the same fresh, milky taste or gooey melt.
Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?

Yes, making the glaze ahead saves time on busy nights. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it gently before using to restore its pourable consistency.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when pierced and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Final Thoughts

This Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels special but is totally doable after a hectic day. The harmony of flavors and the beautiful presentation always get compliments, and I know you’ll appreciate how straightforward it is without sacrificing taste. I can’t wait for you to try it out—you’ll love how easy it is to impress your loved ones with this one!