Meal Prep Tips for Baked Caprese Chicken

This Baked Caprese Chicken is great for meal prep because it stores and reheats well. Here’s how you can make it ahead of time:

How to Make It in Advance:

• Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time: You can bake the chicken a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just add the mozzarella and tomatoes, then pop it back into the oven to melt the cheese and warm it through.
• Prep the Toppings: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, and chop the basil ahead of time. Store the toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. That way, everything is ready to go when you’re ready to assemble.
• Assembly: Once the chicken is baked, top it with the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and return it to the oven for a final bake. Add the balsamic glaze just before serving.

Freezing:

• Cooked Chicken: If you’re prepping for the freezer, cook the chicken and freeze it before adding the toppings. After thawing, add the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and finish baking.
• Unassembled Toppings: You can freeze the mozzarella (though it may change texture slightly), but tomatoes are best fresh. Basil can be frozen in ice cube trays with a little water or oil to preserve flavor.

Serving Pre-Portioned Meals:

• Individual Servings: Once you’ve baked and assembled the chicken, you can divide it into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Pair it with a side like roasted vegetables or a salad for a balanced, ready-to-eat meal.

Making This Dish Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, or Keto-Friendly

If you’re following a specific diet or trying to make a healthier version of this dish, here are some modifications to fit your needs:

Gluten-Free:

• Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is already naturally gluten-free as long as you stick to fresh ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Just ensure your balsamic glaze or vinegar is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to check labels).
• Serving Suggestions: If you’re gluten-sensitive, serve with a side of gluten-free rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta to make the meal complete.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly:

• Skip the Starch: For those on a low-carb or keto diet, you can simply skip starchy sides like pasta, bread, or potatoes. Instead, pair it with a side salad, sautéed spinach, or roasted cauliflower rice.
• Low-Carb Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli would be great low-carb sides to serve with this dish.

Dairy-Free Option:

• If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the fresh mozzarella with a plant-based cheese that melts well (e.g., cashew-based mozzarella or almond milk mozzarella). Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture won’t be exactly the same, but it will still create a tasty Caprese-style dish.

How to Serve This for a Crowd (Scaling Up the Recipe)

If you’re hosting a party or preparing a meal for a larger group, this dish is easy to scale up. Here are some tips for making Baked Caprese Chicken for a crowd:

Scaling the Recipe:

• Multiply the Ingredients: To serve more people, simply multiply the ingredients based on how many servings you need. For example, if you’re cooking for 8 people, use 8 chicken breasts, 4 tomatoes, and 2 cups of mozzarella.
• Batch Cooking: If you don’t have enough oven space to bake all the chicken at once, you can bake the chicken breasts in batches. Keep the already-baked chicken warm by tenting it with foil.
• Large Baking Sheet: For a larger crowd, you can spread the chicken breasts on a large baking sheet, leaving space between each breast for even cooking.

Family-Style Serving:

• Serve on a Platter: For a more communal approach, arrange the baked chicken breasts on a large serving platter, top with mozzarella and tomatoes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. This works well for family-style meals where people can help themselves.
• Sides: Serve alongside large bowls of salad, roasted vegetables, or a big pasta dish (for non-keto or non-low-carb guests). You can also serve garlic bread to go along with it.

Alternative Toppings for Baked Caprese Chicken

While the classic Caprese combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish. Here are some ideas for adding variety:

1. Pesto Topping:

• Fresh Basil Pesto: Add a spoonful of basil pesto under the mozzarella cheese for an extra burst of flavor. You can also drizzle it over the chicken after it’s baked for a fresh finish.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: For a tangy twist, try a sun-dried tomato pesto as a topping. This gives a deeper, more robust flavor profile to the dish.

2. Bacon or Prosciutto:

• Crispy Bacon: Add crumbled crispy bacon on top of the chicken for an extra savory, crispy bite. The smoky flavor will pair beautifully with the freshness of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
• Prosciutto: Wrap the chicken breasts in thin slices of prosciutto before baking for an Italian flair. Prosciutto will become crispy in the oven and adds a salty contrast to the creamy mozzarella.

3. Roasted Red Peppers:

• Roasted Red Pepper: Add strips of roasted red pepper on top of the mozzarella for a sweet, smoky addition. You can use jarred or homemade roasted peppers.

4. Avocado:

• Sliced Avocado: Add sliced avocado on top of the Caprese topping for a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese.

5. Caramelized Onions:

• Sweet Onions: Try adding caramelized onions as a topping for a sweet, savory component. The slow-cooked onions will add depth to the overall flavor profile.

Pairing Wines with Baked Caprese Chicken

A dish like Baked Caprese Chicken, with its fresh and vibrant flavors, pairs beautifully with several types of wine. Here are some of the best wine options to complement the dish:

White Wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc works well with the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Its acidity balances the richness of the mozzarella.
• Pinot Grigio: A light and refreshing Pinot Grigio with notes of apple and citrus is another great choice for this dish.
• Chardonnay: If you prefer a fuller-bodied wine, go with an unoaked Chardonnay. It provides enough weight to stand up to the richness of the chicken without overpowering the flavors.

Red Wines:

• Chianti: A classic Italian red wine, Chianti has bright acidity that pairs well with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Its medium body and red fruit flavors enhance the chicken’s savory elements.
• Pinot Noir: If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir offers soft tannins and fruity notes that won’t overpower the dish. It complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the basil perfectly.

Rosé:

• A dry rosé is an excellent middle ground, offering freshness and acidity with just a hint of fruitiness. It pairs wonderfully with both the chicken and the Caprese toppings.

Why You’ll Love Baked Caprese Chicken

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, Baked Caprese Chicken is a recipe that hits all the marks. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. The combination of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil creates a harmonious balance of flavors that everyone can enjoy.

Plus, it’s easy to customize based on dietary preferences and the season—whether you’re adding pesto, wrapping it in prosciutto, or serving it family-style. And with a few meal prep strategies, you can have this dish ready for lunch or dinner all week long.