Description
This Caprese Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad, combining juicy seared chicken breasts with a flavorful balsamic garlic sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Topped with fragrant basil and an optional balsamic glaze drizzle, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 ¼ lbs. chicken breasts
- 1 tsp. salt (divided, to taste)
- ½ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (good quality)
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 4 oz. mozzarella cheese (cut into 1-ounce slices)
- 2 Tbsp. basil (fresh, chiffonade)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare chicken portions: Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness and cut into approximately 5-ounce portions to create four equal servings.
- Sear chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning each side with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and prepare sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and the remaining salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, flipping to coat all sides evenly with the balsamic sauce. Place 1-ounce slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and top the chicken with fresh basil chiffonade. Drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the top if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Caprese Chicken!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Basil chiffonade means finely slicing the basil leaves into thin ribbons for a delicate garnish.
- Opt for a high-quality balsamic vinegar and glaze for the best flavor result.
- Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil for a higher smoke point.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
