Chicken Caprese is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with juicy, tender chicken breasts. With succulent tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze, this dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, Chicken Caprese offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, while the fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil provide a burst of freshness and color. The optional balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tang that elevates the entire dish. It’s light, but still hearty, and pairs well with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. For anyone who loves the classic Caprese flavors, this recipe is a must-try.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Simple Yet Elegant
Chicken Caprese takes the classic Italian Caprese salad and turns it into a complete, satisfying meal. It’s a dish that looks impressive yet is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
2. Fresh and Flavorful
With fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this dish bursts with vibrant flavors that scream summertime. The ingredients are simple but make a big impact on the overall taste.
3. Quick to Make
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. It’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is also a breeze!
4. Customizable
You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes. Add extra seasoning like garlic or red pepper flakes for more flavor, or use a different type of cheese like burrata for a richer experience.
5. Healthy and Light
Chicken Caprese is low in carbs and packed with lean protein, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped or whole for garnish
- Balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Dried oregano (optional)
Variations
- Grilled Chicken: Instead of pan-searing the chicken, you can grill the breasts for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh toppings.
- Different Cheese: If you prefer a stronger flavor, swap the mozzarella for burrata cheese or a tangier cheese like goat cheese.
- Add Avocado: For an extra creamy texture, top the dish with sliced avocado alongside the mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb version, serve the chicken with zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt and the tomatoes warm up, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Garnish and Drizzle
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze or reduction for added sweetness and tang. If you like an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with a bit of balsamic vinegar as well.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the Chicken Caprese immediately, either on its own or with a side of your choice, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Searing the Chicken: For an even golden crust on the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish, so choose the freshest ingredients you can find.
- Extra Moisture: If the chicken breasts seem dry, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a pat of butter to the pan when cooking, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency.
How to Serve
Chicken Caprese is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. For something more filling, try it with roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a side of pasta. If you’re looking to keep things low-carb, a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles would work perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to ensure the chicken stays tender.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or stovetop. Add fresh mozzarella and tomatoes when reheating to maintain their texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Top with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and serve once the cheese has melted.
FAQs
1. Can I make this with boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe, offering a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture.
2. Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to make your own, store-bought balsamic glaze works perfectly for drizzling over the chicken.
3. Can I use different herbs?
While basil is traditional in a Caprese dish, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley for a different flavor.
4. Can I make Chicken Caprese on the grill?
Yes, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them for a smoky flavor. Simply grill them over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
5. What is the best mozzarella to use for Chicken Caprese?
Fresh mozzarella, such as bocconcini or ciliegine, is ideal for this dish as it has a soft, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and chicken.
6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the toppings ahead of time, but it’s best to add the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes just before serving to maintain their freshness.
7. How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
For additional flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before cooking.
8. Can I make this dish without balsamic glaze?
Yes, you can skip the balsamic glaze if you prefer. You can still drizzle the chicken with balsamic vinegar for some acidity and flavor.
9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Can I use heirloom tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, heirloom tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes for a different texture and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Conclusion
Chicken Caprese is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with the flavors of a classic Caprese salad. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this recipe is a deliciously easy way to enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, Chicken Caprese is sure to impress with its simple yet sophisticated flavors.
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Chicken Caprese
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This simple and flavorful Chicken Caprese features juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s a light, yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or whole leaves for garnish)
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using).
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Assemble the Caprese topping: While the chicken is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add toppings: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until slightly softened. Top the cooked chicken with the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
- Melt the cheese: Place the skillet in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the chicken with balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar for extra tang) and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them for a smoky flavor.
- For an extra punch of flavor, drizzle some balsamic vinegar directly onto the tomatoes before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken caprese, chicken with mozzarella, Caprese, balsamic chicken, healthy chicken recipe