Looking for a healthy and delicious meal that won't break your calorie bank? Look no further than Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli! One serving (297 g) of this flavorful dish contains only 240 calories, making it a great choice for anyone trying to watch their waistline.

But Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli isn't just low in calories - it's also packed with valuable nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and calcium. And with the addition of fresh basil and juicy cherry tomatoes, you won't be sacrificing any flavor for nutrition.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you make the most of this tasty dish, from ingredient substitutions to smart pairing suggestions. So let's get cooking!

What is Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli?

Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh broccoli florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The dish is topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, which melts to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. The dish gets its name from the classic Italian salad known as Caprese, which features tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. By adding chicken and broccoli to the mix, you get a well-rounded meal that's both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients Needed for Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

To make Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli, you'll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Note that you can adjust the quantities based on the number of servings you need. You can also swap out some of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

How to Prepare Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

Here are the steps to make Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top with the broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

This recipe is quite straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, be sure to not overcook the chicken or it may become tough and dry. And if you prefer a crispier texture on the broccoli, you can roast it separately before adding it to the dish.

Nutritional Value of Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

One serving (297 g) of Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli contains the following nutrients:

• calories: 240
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 440mg

As you can see, this dish is a great source of protein and fiber, while also being relatively low in calories and fat. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Benefits of Eating Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

Eating Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli has a number of potential benefits, including:

• Improved muscle strength and recovery, thanks to the high protein content of chicken.
• Stronger bones and teeth, due to the calcium in broccoli.
• Reduced inflammation and support for heart health, thanks to the antioxidants and healthy fats in olive oil.
• Improved digestion and metabolism, thanks to the fiber in broccoli and other vegetables.

Overall, this dish is a great way to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best.

Calories in Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

As mentioned earlier, one serving of Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli contains 240 calories. However, it's important to note that the exact calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare the dish. For example, using more or less cheese could significantly alter the calorie count. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's a good idea to use a food scale or measuring cups to ensure you're getting the correct portion size.

Ways to Reduce Calories in Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

If you're trying to cut back on calories, there are a few things you can do to make Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli a lighter, healthier option:

• Use less cheese or opt for a low-fat cheese alternative.
• Serve the dish over a bed of greens or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.
• Swap out the chicken for tofu or another plant-based protein source to reduce the calorie count even further.
• Roast the broccoli instead of baking it with the chicken to eliminate the need for added oil.

There are plenty of ways to make this dish fit into your healthy eating plan - get creative and experiment with different ingredient combinations!

Variations in Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

The beauty of Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli is that it's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add some heat with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
• Swap out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Use fresh oregano or thyme instead of basil for a different herbaceous note.
• Add some extra veggies, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with new flavor combinations - that's what cooking is all about!

Best Pairings for Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli

Wondering what to serve with Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli? Here are a few ideas:

• A simple side salad of mixed greens or arugula dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
• A light and refreshing tomato and cucumber salad.
• Cauliflower rice or quinoa for a healthy grain alternative.

These simple and delicious side dishes will complement the flavors of the chicken and broccoli while also providing a balanced and nutritious meal.

Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli Recipe Tips

To make the most of this tasty dish, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Don't be afraid to get hands-on and pound the chicken to an even thickness - this will help it cook more evenly.
• To prevent the cheese from burning, cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the cooking time, then remove the foil to let the cheese brown and bubble.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking it from scratch - just shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.
• This dish makes great leftovers, so consider making a double batch and storing it in the fridge or freezer for later.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to create a delicious and healthy meal that will impress your taste buds and your waistline.