Savory Chicken Caprese Galette: Your Go-To Recipe for an Easy & Elegant Meal
There’s something uniquely charming about a galette. It’s the culinary equivalent of effortlessly chic – rustic, imperfect, yet always beautiful and incredibly satisfying. Far from the intimidating precision of a pie, a galette embraces a relaxed approach, making it one of my absolute favorite ways to whip up a simple, impressive dinner or a delightful dessert. The beauty of a galette lies in its forgiving nature; even if it looks a bit “messy,” it still comes out looking like a masterpiece fresh from a European farmhouse kitchen. This Savory Chicken Caprese Galette is no exception, bringing together classic Italian flavors in an approachable and delicious format perfect for any home cook.
Embracing the Timeless Appeal of Caprese
My profound love for anything Caprese stems from a memorable trip to Italy, where I first experienced the pure simplicity and exquisite balance of a traditional Caprese salad. I was genuinely astonished to discover that such an intensely flavorful dish could be composed of just a few core ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Each bite delivered a perfect harmony of acid, sweetness, and salt that lingers in your memory. Even years later, the irresistible combination of these ingredients continues to draw me in, making it a staple in my kitchen for various dishes, from salads to sandwiches, and now, to this incredible savory galette.
The Caprese flavor profile is a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients. The juicy, sweet burst of tomatoes, the creamy, mild texture of mozzarella, and the bright, peppery notes of basil create an unparalleled culinary experience. When these elements are combined, they don’t just complement each other; they elevate the entire dish, creating a taste sensation that is both comforting and sophisticated. This is the essence we aim to capture in our Chicken Caprese Galette, transforming a beloved appetizer into a hearty, main course centerpiece.
The Savory Twist: Chicken Caprese Galette
This galette takes all those perfectly composed elements of a Caprese salad – the fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil – and encloses them within a golden, flaky pastry crust. But what makes this version a truly satisfying meal is the addition of tender, browned chicken. The chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed to perfection, adds a crucial layer of protein and savory depth, transforming the galette from a light side into a robust main dish. It’s the epitome of an uncomplicated gourmet meal – though it boasts a fancy name and a sophisticated appearance, it comes together in just a few straightforward steps and is guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Crafting the Perfect Galette Dough for Flaky Perfection
The foundation of any great galette is its crust. While some might opt for a store-bought pastry for convenience, making your own galette dough is surprisingly simple and yields superior results. Our recipe uses a classic butter pastry, which, when properly made, bakes up incredibly flaky and golden. The key to a tender crust is using cold butter, which creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in those irresistible layers. Don’t worry about perfection; the beauty of a galette is its rustic charm. The edges are simply folded over, creating an inviting, free-form look that speaks to homemade goodness.
Building the Flavorful Filling
The filling is where the magic of Caprese truly shines. We start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil, infusing the pan with an aromatic base before adding the chicken pieces. Browning the chicken not only cooks it through but also develops rich, savory flavors that will complement the fresh Caprese ingredients. After the chicken cools slightly, it’s combined with a generous layer of pesto sauce spread over the rolled-out dough. Pesto adds another dimension of fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly ties the chicken and Caprese elements together. On top of the pesto and chicken, a layer of shredded mozzarella melts into a gooey, savory blanket, followed by vibrant halved cherry tomatoes and a final sprinkle of fresh basil. This thoughtful layering ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
From Oven to Table: An Unforgettable Dining Experience
Once assembled, this rustic tart bakes to a beautiful golden brown, with the pastry edges crisping up and the filling bubbling invitingly. You’ll notice some liquid from the melting cheese and juicy tomatoes; a quick, careful drain ensures the crust remains flaky. Allowing it to cool slightly on a rack before serving helps the filling set and makes for easier slicing. A final garnish of fresh chopped basil brightens the dish and enhances its aromatic appeal. The combination of the savory chicken, the creamy mozzarella, the sweet tomatoes, and the fragrant basil, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust, creates a truly unforgettable meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Versatility and Meal Prep Potential
While this Savory Chicken Caprese Galette makes an impressive dinner, its versatility doesn’t stop there. It’s also an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week. Whether you’re packing it for a satisfying lunch at work or enjoying a quick dinner after a busy day, it reheats beautifully. A few minutes in the oven will bring back some of that crispiness, while the microwave offers a quick and easy solution for a warm meal. Its robust flavors hold up exceptionally well, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire for both planned meals and spontaneous cravings.
Serving Suggestions and Customization
To complete your meal, consider serving the Chicken Caprese Galette with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the galette, creating a balanced dining experience. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished galette just before serving can also add a delightful tangy-sweet counterpoint. For those who enjoy a glass of wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would pair wonderfully with the Italian-inspired flavors.
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. For an extra layer of flavor, you could add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the dough or the filling. Other vegetables like thinly sliced zucchini or spinach could also be incorporated into the filling. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and perhaps add some roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for added texture and taste. The beauty of galettes is how adaptable they are to different preferences and ingredients you might have on hand.
This Savory Chicken Caprese Galette truly offers an elegant dining experience without the fuss. Its rustic charm, combined with the vibrant, familiar flavors of Caprese and the hearty addition of chicken, makes it a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, handled with a little love, can create extraordinary results.
table of contents
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Savory Chicken Caprese Galette
ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter cubed into 1/2” pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1/2” pieces
- 2 Tbsp pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 6 basil leaves chopped
- Salt & freshly cracked pepper
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
instructions
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In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar and salt. Using your hands, mix in half of the butter, squeezing the cubes between your fingers, until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add in the remaining butter, squeezing the cubes between your fingers once again, until the largest pieces of butter are approximately the size of a pea. Drizzle water over the dough and bring together, kneading 3 to 4 times. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
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When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and brown for approximately 1 minute. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool.
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Roll out the galette dough into a 10” round. Spread the pesto sauce in an even layer on the dough, beginning approximately 1” in from the edges of the dough. Add the shredded mozzarella on top of the pesto in an even layer. Add the chicken pieces, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes.
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Fold the pastry edge up and over the filling to create a 1” border. Brush the pastry border and edges with the melted butter.
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Bake for 35 minutes. There will be some liquid from the cheese and tomato juices, which you’ll want to carefully drain off the top. Transfer the galette with the parchment paper onto a rack to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped fresh basil.