Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Caprese Chicken Casserole that your family will love:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This will ensure even cooking. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): While searing is optional, it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and color to the chicken. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned but not cooked through. Searing creates a flavorful crust and helps to keep the chicken moist during baking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the seared (or raw, if skipping the searing step) chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. If using canned diced tomatoes, spread them evenly over the chicken. If using fresh tomato slices, arrange them in a layer over the chicken breasts, slightly overlapping.
5. Add Mozzarella and Basil: Top the tomatoes with slices or pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, ensuring each chicken breast is generously covered. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven.
7. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): For a more golden-brown and bubbly cheese topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
8. Rest and Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Remove the Caprese Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the casserole just before serving for that final touch of tangy sweetness.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in your homemade Caprese Chicken Casserole!