Keto Caprese Chicken Thighs
A one-pan Italian-inspired dish that’s ready in 40 minutes
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 395 per serving
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 35g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Keto, Gluten-free, Low-carb
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large ovenproof skillet or cast iron pan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Baking dish (if not using ovenproof skillet)
INGREDIENTS
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs/900g)
- 6-8 oz (170-230g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional:
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (sugar-free for keto)
- Parmesan shavings
METHOD
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat
- Sear chicken for 2-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside
- Layer sliced tomatoes and half the basil in the same skillet
- Place seared chicken back on top
- Top each thigh with mozzarella slices
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese browns slightly
- Garnish with remaining fresh basil and optional balsamic glaze
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Pat chicken completely dry for better browning
- Don’t move chicken while searing for perfect crust
- Let meat thermometer reach deepest part of thigh
- Drain excess liquid from tomatoes if very juicy
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
- Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes
Variations:
- Swap fresh tomatoes for sun-dried (reduce carbs further)
- Add pesto instead of balsamic glaze
- Layer spinach under chicken for extra nutrients
Common Mistakes:
- Overcrowding the pan when searing
- Skipping the patting dry step
- Not checking internal temperature
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and doubles easily – just use a larger pan or multiple baking dishes!
