This Chicken Capri recipe originally came from an ad in a magazine. It’s lower in fat and calories than traditional chicken parmesan.
It is an incredibly easy meal for any night of the week. Serve it with pasta or without. The chicken comes out tender and juicy and the sauce is incredibly cheesy. A perfectly easy one skillet meal so it’s easy cleanup too.
If you are looking for an easy weeknight meal, this is it. The whole family will love this one two. Even the kiddos.
What you need
- chicken breasts – boneless, skinless. If you have large breasts, pound them out or slice them in two, so that they are single serving size.
- garlic powder- or use granulated garlic.
- olive oil – for sautéing
- ricotta cheese – use part skim ricotta to save on calories and fat.
- oregano – dried or fresh, chopped oregano will both work. If using fresh, double the amount you use. You can also substitute dried Italian seasoning, if you prefer.
- salt – use sea salt or kosher salt for best flavor.
- black pepper – always use fresh ground pepper.
- tomatoes – use chopped stewed tomatoes or crushed or diced tomatoes.
- mozzarella cheese – sliced. Can substitute provolone.
- basil, oregano or parsley, fresh, for garnish.
- parmesan cheese – freshly grated for garnish.
With about 10 minutes prep and another 20-30 minutes to finish in the oven, dinner can be on the table!
How to make Chicken Capri
- Season chicken with garlic, salt and pepper.
- Whisk eggs.
- Add the ricotta and spices to the eggs.
- Blend eggs, ricotta cheese with oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
- Heat oil. Brown chicken in an oven proof, large skillet, like cast iron over medium-high heat. Once browned one first side, flip and brown second side.
- Once the chicken is browned on both sides, top the chicken with a ricotta mixture.
- Pour the canned stewed tomatoes around the chicken.
Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each breast.
Bake them for 20 to 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (use meat thermometer to check). Add mozzarella is and turn oven up to broil. Broil until the cheese is golden brown on the top.
Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh, chopped oregano, basil or parsley, for garnish. (for fresh basil leaves, always tear the basil by hand. Do not chop.)
Why should you make this chicken capri?
- incredibly easy.
- one pan meal so easy cleanup.
- incredibly cheesy.
- super healthy. Low in fat and calories, if you use part skim or skim cheeses.
- the kids will devour it so there will be no argument about eating dinner the night you serve this.
- you can brown chicken on the grill or in an oven proof skillet. If using the grill, place the chicken in aa large oven proof large baking dish, after browning.
Variations of this recipe
- Bump of the vegetable content of this recipe to make it even healthier. Add sliced carrots, red pepper strips, onion, broccoli florets, asparagus pieces, or anything else you like. Briefly sauté any vegetable to start the cooking process.
- Add fresh or dried basil and parsley. (or a dried Italian seasoning blend)
- Substitute chopped fresh tomatoes for the canned tomatoes. Use about two cup tomatoes, fresh, chopped. Great types of tomatoes are San Marzano, cherry tomatoes, cocktail tomatoes and the like.
- Make chicken caprese which is basically the same dish but use a basil pesto to top the chicken and top with sliced, fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and a splash of balsamic glaze.
- Add crushed red pepper for an added kick.
How to serve this chicken
Serve chicken with pasta, or your favorite alternative. Spoon sauce mixture over pasta and toss well. Serve this easy chicken dinner with;
- your favorite pasta, cooked to package specifications.
- use gluten free pasta, if you need to eliminate gluten.
- garlic bread
- your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables
- use zucchini noodles (zoodles), roasted spaghetti squash or your favorite vegetable alternative to pasta
- with a side salad with drizzle Italian or balsamic vinegar dressing.
How to store leftovers
Store leftovers in oven safe or microwave safe container, sealed well. Use leftovers within 3-4 days.
Do not freeze leftovers. The ricotta cheese will break and become too watery.
How to reheat leftovers
Reheat leftovers in an oven safe dish, well covered, for about 20 minutes. Until hot.
Alternately leftovers can be microwaved a couple minutes, until hot.
See how the sauce turns out so cheesy?? Yum! I want to eat it again, just looking at it.
Other 30 minute chicken meals
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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today!
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
📖 Recipe
Chicken Capri Parmigiana
Ingredients
- 4 large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 splash Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups low fat ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped optional but tasty, see notes below
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped optional but tasty, see notes below
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped see notes below
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 2 tsp pepper, to taste
- 14 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 10 2-inch slices fresh, low fat mozzarella cheese
- fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Season chicken with dried garlic, salt and pepper.
- Heat oven proof skillet over high heat with a coating of olive oil. You can brown chicken in a large nonstick skillet. Then transfer to an oven proof dish. Add chicken and brown on both sides.
- Meanwhile, beat eggs in a medium bowl. Add Ricotta and spices, plus salt and pepper. Add more dried garlic, if desired.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- When chicken is done browning, top chicken with ricotta mixture. Then add stewed tomatoes to pan. Cover pan with lid or aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 minutes, depending on size of breasts.
- When chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F, place the mozzarella cheese on top. Raise oven temp broil. Watch carefully, not to burn. Just broil until the cheese is golden brown.
- Remove from oven. Grate fresh Parmesan on top. Serve with pasta of your choice, cooked according to package directions. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally published July 28, 2017. Updated January 31, 2022.
Emily
Tried this recipe and it was great!! My husband added pepperoni before baking and it was delicious. Added a little extra zing!! I think peppers or red pepper flakes would also go well!!
Enjoy!!
Binky
Hi Emily! That’s great! I am glad you guys liked it! Pepperoni sounds like fun addition! I agree on the peppers, I always add red pepper flakes to mine, too! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Michelle Barsness
Wow! This is one beautiful chicken recipe! The colors and flavors are right up my alley. It does sound like a special treat. But we all deserve these heart-warming dishes sometimes. So sorry it hurts your tummy.
Binky
i’m pretty used to it but sometimes I just can’t resist! Thanks, Michelle!
Patty
Mmmm! Looks fantastic and full of flavors Beth, I shall try your recipe as soon as I get back homefrom holiday! 🙂
Binky
Thank you Patty! Let me know how you enjoy it! xoxo
Angela - Allergy Free Angela
I am glad the Lactaid worked for you! 🙂 This dish looks divine! I think my husband would love it as well!
Binky
It was a risk, for sure! I got lucky this time! Thanks, Angela!
Elaine
This dish is drool-worthy! It looks so delicious! I could definitely get behind it. So couldn’t my husband, in fact, he’s looking over my shoulder. 😉
Binky
Haha! It’s super easy, Elaine! Make it for poor C! Thanks for your comment, my friend!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
Oh gosh, that’s comfort food on steroids!
Binky
Not lacking in fat and calories, lol! Thanks, Sue!
Jagruti
Pasta is a favourite of mine,enjoyed reading your post thanks
Binky
Thank you so much for your comment, Jagruti!
Mary // Chattavore
Um, yes please! That cheese on there looks amazing. I might have to add this to the meal plan soon!
Binky
Cheesy goodness, for sure! Thanks, Mary!
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours
This looks like a great weekend meal idea. Easy to make and very tasty. Very good that you managed to enjoy some yourself.
Binky
Pretty exciting, I can’t lie, Helen! Thank for your comment!
Lucy - Supergoldenbakes
Poor you suffering when you eat this. It sounds heavenly and as you say, so easy. Perfect for summer.
Binky
It really is a travesty! Thanks for sharing in my pity party and the nice comment!