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Baked Caprese Chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1 person

Ingredients
  

  • For Chicken
  • 1 large chicken breast 200g
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 lemon Zest
  • 1 lemon Juice
  • For Topping:
  • 1 large ripe tomato sliced into ¼-inch rounds (about 3-4 slices)
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese 50g
  • 6-7 fresh basil leaves

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. If your chicken breast is thick (more than 1 inch), gently pound it to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon zest and lemon juice. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in oven safe skillet or pan. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 2 minutes each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage—it will bake in the oven.
  4. Now place the tomato slices on the top of chicken breast. Layer the mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top.
  5. Now bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  6. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and top the baked chicken with the fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate.
  7. Serve hot.