Description
Chicken Caprese: Juicy grilled chicken topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. A quick and delicious crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz/170-225g each)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (3g) Italian seasoning
- 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes (about 8 oz/225g total), sliced ¼-inch thick
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼-inch thick
- ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic glaze or reduction
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound to an even thickness Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re uneven in thickness, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat.
- Step 2: Sear the chicken breasts Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust to develop—this is building flavor for your Chicken Caprese!
- Step 3: Cook the chicken through Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If your chicken breasts are thicker, you might need an additional minute or two. Trust your thermometer here—perfectly cooked chicken makes all the difference in your Chicken Caprese.
- Step 4: Add the toppings Once the chicken is cooked through, turn off the heat but leave the skillet on the burner. Top each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of tomato, then layer 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2 minutes to allow the mozzarella to soften slightly without fully melting.
- Step 5: Serve the Chicken Caprese Transfer the Chicken Caprese to serving plates. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella layers or scatter them on top. Drizzle each piece with balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern. For an extra touch, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 380 calories per serving
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 24 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 mg