Chicken Caprese is a beautiful blend of Italian-inspired flavors that brings freshness and richness to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Optional Balsamic Glaze (if making homemade):
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Cook the chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Balsamic Glaze (if homemade):
- Make the glaze:
In a small saucepan, simmer the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Chicken Caprese:
- Top with mozzarella and tomatoes:
Place a slice of mozzarella on each cooked chicken breast, followed by a slice or two of fresh tomato. - Melt the cheese:
Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes, or until the mozzarella melts. - Finish with basil and glaze:
Remove the chicken from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.
Tips
- Tomato choice: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes like heirloom or Roma for the best flavor.
- Grilling option: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing.
- Keto-friendly: Skip the balsamic glaze or use a sugar-free version to make this dish keto-friendly.
- Serve with: Pair this dish with a simple arugula salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Chicken Caprese is a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings fresh, bold flavors to your plate. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, tangy balsamic, and fresh basil makes it a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in no time!
Chicken Caprese Recipe
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Chicken Caprese recipe combines tender chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a balsamic glaze for a quick and flavorful dish.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Optional Balsamic Glaze if making homemade:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze (if homemade):
- Make the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, simmer the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Chicken Caprese:
- Top with mozzarella and tomatoes:
- Place a slice of mozzarella on each cooked chicken breast, followed by a slice or two of fresh tomato.
- Melt the cheese:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes, or until the mozzarella melts.
- Finish with basil and glaze:
- Remove the chicken from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.
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