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–+ servings

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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Cook Time 33 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Cost $26.03
Servings 4

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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