Ground Chicken Caprese is a dish that sings with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender patty bursting with flavor, while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby to come take a taste. This dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for ground chicken in this recipe?
- How long does it take to cook ground chicken?
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table for Sunday dinners filled with laughter and good food. Ground Chicken Caprese was often featured during those gatherings, bringing everyone together over its delightful taste and comforting essence. The blend of ingredients has an uncanny ability to spark joy, making it ideal for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Ground Chicken Caprese is quick to whip up and requires minimal prep time
- The flavor profile is a refreshing twist on classic Italian ingredients
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as burgers or meatballs!
Sharing this recipe at last year’s family reunion led to raving reviews and multiple requests for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; about 1 pound works well.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella that melts beautifully; the creaminess elevates each bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes are perfect; they add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Use vibrant green leaves for that aromatic touch; they bring freshness that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; be sure to mince it finely for even distribution of flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and thyme enhances the overall taste; just a teaspoon will do.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and drizzling; it adds richness and brings everything together.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the countertop while preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures you’re all set up for success.
Create Your Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Shape Your Patties: Divide your mixture into equal portions and form them into patties about half an inch thick. Make sure they are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Add Cheese and Tomatoes on Top: Place sliced mozzarella cheese atop each patty along with halved cherry tomatoes. These toppings will melt beautifully during baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Transfer the patties onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Serve with Style!: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with more fresh basil before serving. Enjoy these patties hot off the tray or let them cool slightly for sandwiches.
Now you have an absolutely mouthwatering Ground Chicken Caprese ready to impress! Each bite combines juicy chicken with melty cheese and fresh toppings—a symphony of flavors you won’t forget!
You Must Know
- This Ground Chicken Caprese recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make
- The combination of juicy ground chicken, fresh basil, and mozzarella creates a delightful explosion of flavors
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by sautéing the ground chicken until golden brown, then add garlic and tomatoes before finishing with mozzarella.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground chicken for turkey or even plant-based alternatives. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that lovely browning effect
- Using fresh herbs enhances the overall flavor significantly, so go for it!
- Don’t skimp on cheese; it’s what makes this dish truly Caprese
Cooking Ground Chicken Caprese has been a game-changer for my family dinners. Friends rave about it every time I serve it, asking when I’ll make it again! For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips and techniques recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground chicken in this recipe?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat makes great substitutes if you prefer.
How long does it take to cook ground chicken?
Ground chicken typically cooks in about 8-10 minutes over medium heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-cook the chicken and assemble right before serving for maximum freshness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Ground Chicken Caprese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the taste of summer with Ground Chicken Caprese, featuring juicy chicken, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella. This vibrant dish is perfect for any gathering, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into equal patties about half an inch thick.
- Place sliced mozzarella on each patty and top with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Arrange patties on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish with additional basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (100g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg