Chicken Caprese Recipe
A delightful and wholesome Italian-inspired dish, Chicken Caprese features succulent chicken breasts nestled in a rich balsamic glaze, crowned with luscious mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, and fragrant basil. Prepared conveniently in a single skillet, it promises a vibrant and satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
- 2 Roma tomatoes sliced
- 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh basil leaves chiffonade
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season both sides generously with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; add the remaining oil, then place the chicken into the pan, searing swiftly on each side until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, combine the red onion, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar, stirring and simmering the mixture for about 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 10–20 minutes based on thickness.
- Adjust the oven to broil setting.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and broil just until the cheese has melted, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Immediately garnish with slices of fresh tomato and a sprinkle of chiffonade basil. Drizzle the reserved pan sauce over the top before serving.
Notes
Chicken Preparation: If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, butterfly them horizontally for quicker, even cooking.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cold chicken works wonderfully chopped into salads.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken without toppings in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, then add cheese and tomato.
Grilled Version: Season and grill the chicken until cooked through, topping with mozzarella during the final minutes.
Chicken Caprese Pasta: Double the balsamic glaze and serve the prepared chicken atop a bed of freshly cooked pasta.
Sandwich Variation: Tuck the cooked chicken into toasted bread or rolls with mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and a light drizzle of balsamic sauce.