Easy One-Pan Crispy Caprese Chicken Thighs
This easy one-pan recipe delivers crispy chicken thighs topped with melty mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 medium Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without crowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin is golden brown and releases easily.
- Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella evenly over each thigh.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- While the chicken bakes, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened into a glaze.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the top.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over the chicken just before serving.
Notes
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best juiciness and crispy skin. Control heat carefully during searing to avoid burning. If mozzarella melts too fast, tent loosely with foil. The balsamic glaze adds essential sweetness and tang; don’t skip it. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based melting cheese. For gluten-free, this recipe is naturally suitable. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Caprese chicken, crispy chicken thighs, one-pan dinner, Italian chicken recipe, balsamic glaze, mozzarella chicken, easy dinner