Description
Chicken Caprese is a fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy, sautéed chicken breasts topped with melted buffalo mozzarella, sautéed cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a quick dinner that bursts with summery flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Tomato Basil Topping
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- 10 large basil leaves, finely chopped
Finishing
- 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced in 1/2 inch thick slices
- balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts generously and set them aside for a few minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cover the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan, place it on a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm and juicy while preparing the topping.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the sauté pan. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté until their skins soften and wrinkle, about 5 minutes.
- Add Basil and Return Chicken: Stir in finely chopped basil, then quickly add the chicken breasts back into the pan. Top each breast with two slices of fresh mozzarella.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid and allow the mozzarella to melt gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, then serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the mozzarella from becoming rubbery. Microwave reheating is faster but may alter texture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for ideal flavor and melting. Buffalo mozzarella adds extra creaminess.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity to taste; balsamic glaze provides a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast with toppings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
