Name: Cheesy Chicken Caprese Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 medium yellow onions, diced; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to season; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 4 cups kale, tough stems removed and chopped; 2 cups cooked quinoa; 4 cups cauliflower rice; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided); 12 ounces mozzarella pearls, halved; Fresh basil, chopped; 15 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

This Cheesy Chicken Caprese Casserole takes the classic flavors of a Caprese salad—fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—and transforms them into a hearty, protein-packed meal. With shredded chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, this casserole delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect marriage of Italian-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese creates an irresistible dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables and quinoa, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, it’s a complete meal in one dish. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please the whole family while being sophisticated enough for entertaining. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner to guests, this Cheesy Chicken Caprese Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts provide lean protein and form the hearty base of this casserole. They absorb all the wonderful flavors of the dish while keeping it satisfying and filling.
Olive oil adds a touch of Mediterranean flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to develop their flavors. Its subtle fruitiness complements the Italian-inspired ingredients.
Yellow onions bring a sweet, aromatic foundation to the dish. When cooked down, they release natural sugars that add depth to the tomato sauce.
Red bell pepper adds vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and vitamin C. It provides both texture and a nutritional boost to the casserole.
Garlic infuses the entire dish with its aromatic, slightly spicy flavor that’s essential to Italian-inspired cooking. It becomes mellow and sweet when cooked properly.
Italian seasoning brings together classic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme in one convenient blend, adding authentic Italian flavor throughout the dish.
Red chili flakes contribute optional heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Tomato paste provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. It adds depth and umami to the entire dish.
Diced tomatoes form the base of the sauce, adding acidity, sweetness, and juiciness. They break down during cooking to create a flavorful sauce that coats all the ingredients.
Balsamic vinegar adds a sophisticated sweet-tangy note that elevates the tomato sauce and complements the fresh tomatoes added later.
Kale incorporates nutritious greens that hold up well to baking. It adds texture, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that balances the rich cheese and tomatoes.
Quinoa provides protein, fiber, and a pleasant nutty flavor. It adds substance and absorbs the delicious sauce while keeping the casserole satisfying.
Cauliflower rice lightens the dish while adding volume and nutrients. It’s a clever way to incorporate more vegetables without changing the flavor profile.
Parmesan cheese brings a savory, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste of the casserole. It melts into the sauce, creating richness throughout.
Mozzarella cheese, both shredded and in pearl form, creates that classic stretchy, melty quality essential to a great casserole. It browns beautifully on top for visual appeal.
Fresh basil is the signature herb of Caprese dishes, adding bright, aromatic notes that lighten the rich flavors. Its distinctive taste can’t be substituted.
Cherry tomatoes add pops of fresh acidity, sweetness, and beautiful color. When baked, they intensify in flavor while maintaining their shape.

Directions

Poach the chicken by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and return to a rolling boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let cook for 25–30 minutes. Carefully remove chicken and set aside to cool before shredding.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add diced bell pepper and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir in tomato paste and mix well, being careful not to burn.
Add diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer until liquid reduces by about half. Stir in shredded chicken.
Add kale and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened. Stir in cauliflower rice and cook 1-2 minutes. Add cooked quinoa and mix well. Cook, stirring often, until heated through. Remove from heat.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with fresh chopped basil, remaining shredded mozzarella, mozzarella pearls, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner with leftovers or meal prep for the week. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, bringing the total time to 1 hour. Each serving contains approximately 484 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable main dish that can be paired with a simple salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas or 2 cups of cubed firm tofu for plant-based protein.
Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Double the red pepper flakes and add 1/4 cup of chopped hot cherry peppers for heat lovers.
Low-Carb Adaptation: Omit the quinoa and double the cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version that’s still satisfying.
Pesto Infusion: Stir 1/4 cup of basil pesto into the mixture before baking for an extra layer of basil flavor.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use your favorite plant-based cheese substitutes for both the Parmesan and mozzarella.
Mexican Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a cross-cultural variation.

Storage/Reheating

This Cheesy Chicken Caprese Casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen and meld together after a day, making the leftovers equally delicious or even better.
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For reheating, the microwave works well for individual portions—heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top.
If you find the casserole has dried out slightly during storage, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching chicken breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred about 4 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it to the recipe when directed to add the shredded chicken. This substitution actually adds another layer of flavor and reduces your cooking time significantly.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the quinoa?

Yes, the recipe calls for cooked quinoa, which ensures proper texture in the final dish. Uncooked quinoa would absorb too much moisture from the other ingredients and could result in a dry casserole or undercooked quinoa. Cook the quinoa according to package directions before adding it to the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

What can I substitute for kale if I don’t have it?

Spinach makes an excellent substitute for kale in this recipe. You can also use Swiss chard, collard greens, or even broccoli florets chopped into small pieces. Each will alter the flavor slightly but will work well with the other ingredients. If using spinach, add it even later in the cooking process as it wilts much faster than kale.

Is cauliflower rice necessary, or can I use more quinoa instead?

The cauliflower rice helps lighten the dish while adding volume and nutrients. However, you can certainly replace it with an additional cup of cooked quinoa if you prefer. This will make the casserole more grain-forward and slightly denser, but still delicious.

What size casserole dish works best for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch casserole dish (about 3 quarts) works perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have one that large, you can split the mixture between two smaller dishes, just be sure to watch the baking time as it might cook a bit faster.

Can I reduce the amount of cheese to make it lighter?

Yes, you can reduce the cheese by up to half without significantly affecting the structure of the casserole. The dish will be less rich but still flavorful from all the other ingredients. Alternatively, you could use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat Parmesan to lower the fat content while maintaining the cheesy goodness.

What can I serve with this casserole to make a complete meal?

This casserole is quite hearty and complete on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf also makes a wonderful accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.

Why did my casserole turn out watery?

Excess moisture can come from several sources: not reducing the tomato sauce enough, not draining the diced tomatoes, or using frozen vegetables without thawing and draining them first. Make sure to simmer the sauce until it’s noticeably thickened, and if using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and either increase the vegetables or add plant-based protein like chickpeas, white beans, or tofu. You could also add more substantial vegetables like diced eggplant or zucchini to maintain the hearty texture and volume of the dish.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Caprese Casserole beautifully transforms the beloved flavors of a traditional Caprese salad into a hearty, satisfying main dish. By combining lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and the classic trio of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this casserole delivers both nutrition and comfort in every bite. Its make-ahead friendly nature and versatility make it perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or meal prep. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The balance of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients creates a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing—truly the best of both worlds.