Caprese Chicken & Polenta Bake
Caprese Chicken & Polenta Bake
This Caprese Chicken & Polenta Bake is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken, crispy polenta rounds, and a rich marinara sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh basil, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
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Ingredients
- 4 thin chicken cutlets about 1 lb. total
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 18-oz. tube pre-cooked polenta, sliced into 1/2"-thick rounds
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 5 oz. baby spinach about 5 packed cups
- 2 cups store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 8 oz. bocconcini small fresh mozzarella balls, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
Instructions
Cook Polenta Rounds:
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add polenta rounds in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
Sear Chicken:
- Season 4 chicken cutlets with 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to the plate with the polenta.
Prepare Sauce:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the skillet.
- Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 5 oz baby spinach and toss until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Pour in 2 cups marinara sauce and 1/3 cup water, stirring to combine.
Assemble:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Nestle the chicken and polenta into the marinara sauce.
- Top with 8 oz thinly sliced bocconcini.
Broil & Serve:
- Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Enjoy this Italian-inspired baked dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
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