Description
A delicious and easy Chicken Caprese recipe featuring juicy seared chicken breasts topped with melted buffalo mozzarella, sautéed cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a fresh Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Toppings and Sauce
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- 10 large basil leaves, finely chopped
- 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts generously and set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, cover the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking uncovered until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes more.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm and let it rest while you prepare the tomato topping.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the chicken. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté until their skins start to soften and wrinkle, about 5 minutes.
- Add Basil and Marshal Chicken: Stir the finely chopped basil into the tomato mixture. Quickly return the chicken breasts to the pan, topping each breast with two slices of fresh buffalo mozzarella.
- Melt Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid and let the mozzarella melt over the chicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a splash of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the top and serve immediately, enjoying the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
- Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short bursts until hot, but oven reheating is preferred for best texture.
- You can substitute buffalo mozzarella with fresh mozzarella if desired.
- Use balsamic glaze for a sweeter, thicker drizzle or plain balsamic vinegar for a tart finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
