Description
Succulent caprese chicken brings Italian flavors dancing across your plate with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Grilled perfection meets classic Mediterranean simplicity, promising a delightful meal that transports you straight to sunny Italian landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Fresh Produce
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, ensuring a perfectly even cooking environment for the chicken.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken, infusing the meat with aromatic flavor during the searing process.
- Layer fresh mozzarella slices atop each chicken breast, allowing them to begin melting from the residual heat.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the cheese becomes luxuriously melted.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes to lock in the juices.
- Arrange fresh tomato slices over the melted mozzarella, creating a vibrant layer of color and freshness.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the chicken, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
- Garnish with whole fresh basil leaves, scattering them artfully across the dish to provide a burst of herbaceous aroma and flavor.
- Serve immediately, presenting a stunning Caprese-inspired chicken that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Notes
- Swap chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains the classic Caprese flavor profile.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly juicy results every time.
- Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most vibrant and sweet flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg