Description
Caprese Chicken is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy, seared chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering a healthy, balanced meal bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella ball, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 10–12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and slice the cherry tomatoes in halves and tear or slice fresh basil leaves. Drain the fresh mozzarella ball and cut into thick slices. Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the surface is golden brown and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add Toppings: Lower the heat slightly, then top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella and halved tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt gently without overcooking the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Basil and Balsamic Glaze: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Scatter fresh basil leaves over each chicken breast and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a vibrant, flavorful finish.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Caprese Chicken to serving plates and garnish as desired, enjoying the combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil at its best.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken by letting it sit out for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space between chicken breasts for proper searing and a golden crust.
- Cover the pan while melting cheese to trap steam for perfect melting without drying out the chicken.
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients such as ripe tomatoes and authentic mozzarella for best flavor.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze only at the end to maintain its vibrant taste and glossy appearance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and melting in skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Caprese Chicken, Italian chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken, healthy chicken dinner, balsamic chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken
