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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup basil pesto (can be store-bought or homemade for an extra touch) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, drained - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces - A handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor, optional) - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste When I make this dish, I love using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. The basil pesto adds a great herbal flavor. You can buy pesto or make your own for a personal touch. For veggies, I always use cherry tomatoes. They burst with flavor when roasted. Fresh mozzarella gives a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes. Zucchini and red bell pepper add color and crunch. Don’t forget the seasonings! Extra-virgin olive oil helps everything cook nicely. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper brings out all the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves and balsamic glaze are the finishing touches. They add brightness and a sweet tang. Use the glaze if you want a flavor boost. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, take your chicken thighs and place them in a bowl. Pour in ¾ cup of basil pesto. Use your hands to coat each thigh well. For the best flavor, let them marinate. You can do this at room temperature for 15 minutes or chill them in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Next, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleaning easy. Once your chicken is ready, place the thighs in the center of the pan. Make sure they have space around them. Now, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and diced red bell pepper around the chicken. These veggies add color and flavor. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over everything. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Put the sheet pan in the hot oven. Roast the chicken and veggies for about 25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During this time, the vegetables will get nice and tender. In the last 5 minutes, gently add the fresh mozzarella balls to the pan. This step helps the cheese melt just right, creating a creamy finish. After roasting, let the pan cool for a few minutes before serving. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, let it soak in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This will let the pesto soak in deep. To enhance the flavors, mix in a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice. This little touch brightens the taste. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Use a meat thermometer for best results. For the vegetables, cut them into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. If you want extra tenderness, toss the veggies in olive oil and sprinkle them with salt before roasting. For a rustic feel, serve the dish right from the sheet pan. This makes it easy and fun. You can also transfer everything to a large platter for a family-style meal. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the tasty juices. This adds a nice touch to your dining experience. {{image_4}} You can switch proteins if you want. Chicken breasts work well here. If you prefer a plant-based option, try tofu. Cube the tofu and marinate it like the chicken. It absorbs the flavors nicely. Feel free to mix up the veggies. You can add asparagus, bell peppers, or even broccoli. Slice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This mix adds color and taste to your dish. You can make your own pesto for a fresh touch. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil until smooth. This way, you control the taste and texture. You can also try different nuts like walnuts or almonds for variety. Drizzling sauces add flair. Besides balsamic glaze, lemon juice works great. It brightens the dish and adds zest. You can also use a mix of both for a sweet and tangy kick. To keep your Sheet-Pan Pesto Chicken Caprese fresh, start by letting it cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. You can refrigerate the dish for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes. Check to ensure everything is hot, then enjoy! You can use frozen chicken thighs. However, you need to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, you can marinate them with pesto. This helps the flavors stick better to the chicken and makes it taste great. If you can’t find mozzarella, try using provolone or burrata. Provolone melts well, just like mozzarella. Burrata adds a creamy texture, making the dish richer. Both options will still give you that tasty flavor you want in this recipe. This dish takes about 40 minutes total. You will spend 15 minutes preparing the ingredients. Roasting the chicken and veggies takes 25 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked. This recipe for Sheet-Pan Pesto Chicken Caprese is simple and rewarding. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh veggies. I shared easy steps to prep and roast your meal. You also got tips to enhance flavors and serve beautifully. Don’t forget, you can customize this dish with other proteins and sauces. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own! Remember, good food brings happiness to every meal.

Sheet-Pan Pesto Chicken Caprese

Elevate your dinner with this Pesto-Infused Sheet-Pan Chicken Caprese Delight! It combines succulent chicken thighs marinated in basil pesto with vibrant vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes, topped with gooey mozzarella. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers flavor in just 40 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty and colorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup basil pesto (can be store-bought or homemade for an extra touch)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, drained

1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

A handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor, optional)

Instructions
 

Oven Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To simplify cleanup, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

    Marinade the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, place the chicken thighs and add ¾ cup of basil pesto. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure that the thighs are generously coated with the pesto. For enhanced flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

      Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Take the marinated chicken thighs and place them in the center of the prepared sheet pan, allowing enough space around them.

        Add Vegetables: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and diced red bell pepper around the chicken on the sheet pan. Drizzle the olive oil over both the chicken and the vegetables, then sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

          Roasting Time: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and roast everything for approximately 25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), while the vegetables become tender and flavorful.

            Incorporate Mozzarella: In the final 5 minutes of roasting, gently add the fresh mozzarella balls to the pan, allowing them to warm through and slightly melt, creating a delicious creamy texture.

              Cool and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the sheet pan cool for a few minutes. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tip: Serve directly from the sheet pan for a rustic feel, or transfer to a large platter for a family-style dining experience. Pair with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices!