Keto Caprese Chicken Bake Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor!

When you’re hungry for something that’s both healthy and comforting, this Keto Caprese Chicken Bake is the dish you’ll want to whip up. It’s simple, low-carb, and bursting with the classic Italian flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—no mountain of dirty dishes waiting for you later!

Let’s break it all down so you can make this showstopper tonight. Whether you’re a seasoned keto pro or just dipping your toes into low-carb living, this recipe will have everyone at your table saying, “More, please!”

What Is a Caprese Chicken Bake?

If you’ve ever had a Caprese salad (the one with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella), this dish is like its warm and cheesy cousin. We take those same ingredients, add juicy chicken breasts, and bake them to perfection. The result? A dish that’s comforting, fresh, and guilt-free.

Why Keto Caprese Chicken?

Here’s why this recipe works so well for keto diets:

  • Low in carbs: Tomatoes and basil provide flavor without piling on the carbs.
  • High in fat: That gooey mozzarella cheese? Perfect for hitting your fat macros.
  • Protein-packed: Chicken breast gives you the protein punch you need to stay full and satisfied.
  • Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy, just good, wholesome food that tastes amazing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups of cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh basil leaves (a handful, chopped or whole)
  • Balsamic vinegar (optional) for drizzling

How to Make Keto Caprese Chicken Bake

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is as straightforward as it gets.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This locks in the juices and gives the chicken a nice crust.
  3. Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Mixture

  1. In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the tomatoes.
  • Lay slices of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Go ahead, be generous—you deserve it.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for that herby goodness.

Step 5: Bake It

  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the skillet from the oven. If you like a little tang, drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the top.
  • Serve it straight from the skillet with the melted cheese stretching beautifully as you plate it.

Pro Tips for the Best Caprese Chicken

  • Use fresh ingredients. Fresh mozzarella and basil make all the difference. Pre-shredded cheese can work, but it won’t have that same creamy, melty vibe.
  • Don’t skip the sear. This quick step gives the chicken an irresistible golden crust.
  • Adjust to taste. Love garlic? Toss in an extra clove. Prefer more cheese? Pile it on!
  • Make it your own. Swap out cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

What to Serve with Keto Caprese Chicken Bake

Need a side dish? These options pair perfectly and keep things low-carb:

  • Zucchini noodles (zoodles): Toss them in olive oil for a light, noodle-y base.
  • Cauliflower rice: A great way to soak up all those delicious juices.
  • Roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all excellent choices.

If you’re not strictly keto, crusty bread or a simple side of pasta works beautifully too.

Can I Meal Prep This?

Absolutely! Here’s how:

  • Store it: Once cooled, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat it: Warm it up in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating if you’re feeling fancy.
  • Freeze it: You can freeze the baked chicken (without the basil garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Keto Caprese Chicken Bake has been pinned thousands of times, and it’s easy to see why:

  • Easy weeknight dinner: Minimal prep and cook time.
  • Family-friendly: Even non-keto eaters love it.
  • Instagram-worthy: That bubbly cheese and bright basil make for a picture-perfect dish.
  • Customizable: You can tweak it to fit your taste or what you have in the fridge.

A Few Fun Variations

Feeling creative? Try one of these twists:

  • Pesto Caprese Chicken: Add a dollop of pesto to each chicken breast before baking.
  • Spicy Caprese: Sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes on top for a kick.
  • Caprese Casserole: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, layer everything in a casserole dish, and bake.

The Bottom Line

This Keto Caprese Chicken Bake is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s simple, satisfying, and just plain delicious. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Oh, and don’t forget to pin it for later! 🧀🍅

Print

Keto Caprese Chicken Bake Recipe

This Keto Caprese Chicken Bake is a one-pan, low-carb dinner packed with juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s quick, cheesy, and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

  • Author: Jane Summerfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian, Keto, low carb

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful (chopped or whole)
  • Optional: Balsamic vinegar for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then set aside.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
  5. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Top each breast with mozzarella slices and sprinkle with basil.
  6. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  7. Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut, but adjust the cooking time.
  • For a tangy kick, use sugar-free balsamic glaze instead of vinegar.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 Sugar: 3g Sodium: 430mg Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 8g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 1g Protein: 30g Cholesterol: 90mg

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